Busting Brackets
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Memphis Basketball: Breaking down the 2019 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Penny Hardaway, head coach of the Memphis Tigers, watches the action during the game against the Charleston Cougars at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Penny Hardaway, head coach of the Memphis Tigers, watches the action during the game against the Charleston Cougars at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Coach Hardaway of the Tigers reacts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Coach Hardaway of the Tigers reacts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Malcolm Dandridge – Memphis, TN

C | 6-foot-8 | 245 lbs | No. 99 overall

After playing under Coach Hardaway for three years at Memphis East, Malcolm Dandridge became the first 2019 commit for the leader of the Tigers. Shortly thereafter, a few more joined the ranked and Memphis quickly built up one of the best recruiting classes in the country. Ranked just inside the top-100 for the class, Dandridge is a talented frontcourt player with a strong build that will allow him to be successful right away at the college level. In addition, he has the advantage of having already played under Coach Hardaway during his high school days.

Although Dandridge is coming off of an injury, it is expected that he will be ready to play by the time the season begins. With his strong frame and high motor, Dandridge projects as an excellent rebounder and defender at the college level. Due to the abundance of offensive talents on the roster for this coming season, it seems unlikely that he will be viewed as a top scoring option but he can get his fair share of buckets as a result of his hustle and second-chance opportunities.

With a healthy return, Dandridge should be in for major minutes during his first year on campus. Memphis could be a dominant team in the paint in the near future with three top-rated recruits and Lance Thomas joining the team after sitting out last year due to transfer rules. Dandridge’s physical presence is a reason for that potential.