Memphis Basketball: Tigers get another key addition in Jahvon Quinerly

Former Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly has found a new home, joining Memphis Basketball for his final season in college. What does he add to the Tigers?

Few teams have been as busy as Memphis Basketball this offseason when it comes to the transfer portal. Before Thursday, the program had already landed six D-I transfers, as well as Jonathan Pierre, a former star at the D-II level. In the backcourt, the Tigers landed former FSU guard Caleb Mills, as well as Jayhlon Young, a backup ball-handler from UCF.

There are two issues that are still affecting Coach Penny Hardaway and the Tigers. The first is in the frontcourt, where they’re seeing if star forward Deandre Williams is granted an extra year of eligibility or not. And the second involves Mikey Williams, a five-star incoming freshman point guard. However, an offseason arrest and current charges have his status in full question for next season.

So Memphis Basketball made sure to plan ahead just in case by bringing in a veteran ball-handler of their own in Jahvon Quinerly. He’s a former five-star recruit that transferred to Alabama after one year at Villanova. In the past three years, he’s spent time both as a starter and a 6th Man, producing a career-high 13.8 ppg and 4.2 apg two years ago.

This past season, Quinerly’s numbers dipped a bit, averaging 8.7 ppg and 3.6 apg but he did win SEC 6th Man of the Year honors. His ability to play both roles is the kind of versatility Memphis needs with its rebuilt roster. The 6’1 guard is a very good passer and streaky shooter, making 34% of his three-point shots throughout his career.

Having Quinerly around now gives Memphis the ball-handler insurance it needs, regardless of what happens with Williams. But if both are around, that gives them one of the better backcourts in the country next season. And if Williams can somehow return for another year, then the Tigers could be the team to beat in the AAC in 2024.