NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 4 options for Memphis transfer Jayhlon Young

Jayhlon Young is a 6'2 guard from Dallas Texas who after two years at Junior College (Batn Rouge CC), was at UCF as a junior (12 starts), before spending last season at Memphis. He played 27 games and was a backup, playing 11 mpg and averaging 2.2 ppg.

After the season, Young entered the transfer portal, where he had committed to Vermont. However, he recently de-committed and became a free agent again. A few teams have gotten back into the mix, including a possible reunion with the Tigers.

Here's a closer look at his potential fit with each of the four reported contenders.

Fresno State Bulldogs

It's a complete rebuild for the Bulldogs, with a new head coach and roster. That includes JUCO transfer Jasir Tremble and former Green Bay guard David Douglas Jr. as the ball-hanlders on the roster. This is a spot where Young could not only be part of the rotation but possibly start as well. As the only non high-major team on the list, playing time would be the major sell here.

Memphis Tigers

The Tigers are the only team on this list that didn't go through a coaching change, which gives them a stability edge. But familiarity will only go so far, as there will be questions as to where the minutes will come for Young now. Tyrese Hunter and PJ Haggerty are the projected starters, with GMU transfer Baraka Okojie as the third guard. Young could fight to be the 4th guard in the rotation against incoming freshmen, Jared Harris and Daniel Vieira-Tuck.

Michigan Wolverines

There's no Dug McDaniel but new HC Dusty May brought in a pair of ball-handlers for next season in Tre Donaldson and Rubin Jones, two solid, but not elite guards. Depending on how freshmen Durral Brooks and Lorenzo Cason look out the gate, there's a clear path to playing time for Young as a backup, though he also could get buried as well.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes have a clear lead guard with the return of Bruce Thornton, the star from last season. Plus, Meechie Johnson, the lead guard from South Carolina, will also get a large role in the offense. The backups Young would be competing for playing time with are Taison Chatman and four-star freshman John Mobley Jr. and there's a clear path to being the 4th guard.

Of the four, Fresno State is the clear option if Young wants a guaranteed role and minutes. However, both Michigan and Ohio State don't have too much depth where it's impossible for him to be part of the rotation. Ironically, Memphis might be the worst spot when it comes to minutes, though staying with Coach Penny Hardaway could be a big factor.