NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Kennedy Chandler’s final five

Memphis Tigers

Memphis’ basketball program is seemingly back on the rise under head coach Penny Hardaway. Ever since he took over at the helm of the program, Coach Hardaway has experienced lots of success on the recruiting trail and that is bound to contribute to strong seasons on the court in the near future as well. Even though the Tigers are yet to land a true 2020 prospect, they secured the No. 1 overall class in the year prior and have strong inroads with a few targets in 2021.

With regard to this particular recruitment, it is vital to mention that Kennedy Chandler plays high school ball for Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. The Tigers thus have the ability to pitch the hometown factor and the possibility of being one of the pieces to return the program to its prior glory. In an interview with Rivals’ Eric Bossi, Chandler had this to say regarding if there is any pressure to stay home:

"“Just a little bit. You know is always going to be my hometown but at the end of the day I have to go where the best fit is for me. I know I have some pressure but at the end of the day I’m going to do what’s best for me.”"

Memphis was once regarded as the leader in this recruitment but that no longer appears to be the case. Still, Coach Hardaway has shown that he can be an elite recruiter and I am not ready to count him out in any battle, especially not with someone in his own backyard. If the Tigers put a full-court press on hoping to land Chandler, they could re-emerge as one of the top contenders for a commitment. As of now, though, it does not seem likely.