PJ Haggerty came to the NBA Draft Combine with a singular focus.
The 6-3 guard, who earned consensus All-American honors as Memphis basketball’s leading scorer in 2024-25, is hoping to make a name for himself. So far, it’s working out for him. During individual drills on May 13, Haggerty was one of the top five shooters at the combine, hitting 73% of all shots. Only Mark Sears and Chaz Lanier were better.
Then, during a scrimmage on May 14, Haggerty put up 18 points and seven rebounds in a win for his team at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
But what does it all mean for Haggerty’s future? Will he keep his name in the NBA Draft and forego his remaining collegiate eligibility? Or, will he come back to college? If so, who will he play for − Memphis, NC State or somewhere else altogether?
PJ Haggerty: ‘I’m just focused on the (NBA) draft’
Following the scrimmage, Haggerty, who entered the transfer portal in April, made it clear his goal is to be drafted by an NBA team in June.
“Yeah, that’s what I’m trying to do,” he said during an interview on ESPN2.
Haggerty reiterated his stance with reporters shortly afterward. But he was also careful to not completely close the door on another season at the collegiate level.
“If I have to (go back to college), then I have to,” he said. “But right now, I’m just focused on the draft. I feel like it only takes one team to love you. Just seeing which team will take a chance on me. Which one will give me an opportunity to get drafted.”
Haggerty, who does not appear on ESPN’s most recent mock draft, has until May 28 to decide whether to take his chances and stay in the draft or return for another season in college. He said intends to use the remaining time to continue evaluating every option. Haggerty has multiple workouts planned upon the conclusion of the combine.
Once those are complete, he said he will huddle up with his family and agents to figure out what’s next.
PJ Haggerty on transfer portal, NIL reports
In the event Haggerty plays another season of college basketball, which team he will suit up for has been a hot topic.
Widespread reporting suggests his landing spot is most likely NC State. In April, college basketball insider Jeff Goodman reported Haggerty is seeking at least $4 million in NIL money to play the 2025-26 season, adding he also wants to play primarily point guard.
Haggerty downplayed much of what has been reported.
“You can’t believe the media,” he said. “I mean, I haven’t really talked to any schools. I’ve just been trying to focus on the combine and workouts. Just letting the media do what they do.”
If he decides to go back to school in 2025-26, Haggerty added a return to Memphis is still very much in play. He said he received a text message from Tigers coach Penny Hardaway not long after the scrimmage on May 14, which read “‘Good game, killa.'”
“But, yeah, we’ve talked. He’s just encouraging me to chase my dreams,” said Haggerty. “If I have to come back then he’ll take me with open arms, things like that. But he’s just 100% wanting me to chase my dreams and do what’s best for me.
“If that’s the best fit for me, that’s the best fit for me.”
USA TODAY Sports reporter Mark Giannotto contributed to this report.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group.
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