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Memphis Basketball: Tigers rebound nicely after losing Emmanuel Akot

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 17, 2022; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Alex Lomax (10) controls the ball in the first half against the Boise State Broncos during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Alex Lomax (10) controls the ball in the first half against the Boise State Broncos during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a rough start to the week from a roster perspective, Memphis Basketball got confirmations of a pair of players that will be on the 2022-23 squad.

It’s amazing how no matter the circumstance, Penny Hardaway and Memphis Basketball always find a way to be the center of attention during the late stages of the offense. This time though, it doesn’t feature five-star recruits or elite transfers but instead, some roster transactions going both ways.

It started a few days ago when transfer Emmanuel Akot went from being a Memphis Tiger commit to a Western Kentucky commit. The 6’8 guard was a do-it-all playmaker supposed to fill multiple roles so his absence was a stinger for the program.

https://twitter.com/iamalo02/status/1562956274412638208

However, the Tigers got a pair of good news on Thursday to bolster the roster. The first was the return of Alex Lomax, who has been with the program for four years and has averaged at least 4.0 apg in the last three. He started for Memphis last season at point guard and while he doesn’t score much, is a solid role player and passer and will be a great backup option to SMU transfer and AAC Player of the Year Kendric Davis.

The other newcomer is Jahmar Young Jr. a 6’9 transfer forward from SMU and past teammate of Davis. Young doesn’t have much of a resume, with three seasons of averaging 1.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg in fewer than eight minutes a night. He provides depth in the frontcourt behind the likes of Deandre Williams, and the Lawson brothers (Chandler and Johnathan).

Young actually committed to the Tigers a couple of weeks ago, picking them over Texas Southern. He ultimately de-committed but it looks as if his mind changed. That’s now another roster spot filled, currently at 11. Even if he doesn’t play much during the season, Young is a serviceable body at practice and another veteran on the roster.

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The moves of Alex Lomax and Jahmar Young for Memphis aren’t going to tip the scales for the upcoming season but without Akot now, the team has another ball-handler and additional size. It should only help them overall when it comes to depth, something that shouldn’t be underestimated.