In a significant development for the Memphis basketball program, forward Tyreek Smith has officially departed from the team and entered the transfer portal, as confirmed by an athletic department spokesperson on Monday to The Commercial Appeal.
The Memphis Tigers are gearing up to kick off their regular season in a highly anticipated matchup against Missouri today at 7 p.m. at FedExForum, creating a buzz among fans eager to witness the team’s performance.
In a prepared statement, the athletic department expressed gratitude, saying, “We would like to thank Tyreek for his hard work and dedication while at the University of Memphis and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
By choosing to leave before participating in a regular-season game for Memphis, Smith opens the door for a potential transfer to another program, enabling him to be eligible to compete once the fall semester concludes in December.
Last month, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native stirred controversy after requesting “a couple of personal days” to take a step back from team activities following a tumultuous start to the season. His mentor, Hellion “Boog” Knight, took to social media to hint that Smith’s dissatisfaction was linked to an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) compensation discrepancy.
However, just days later, Smith returned to practice on October 22 after missing two sessions, and the official Memphis basketball X account shared uplifting photos of him engaged with smiling teammates during practice, showcasing a moment of camaraderie among the players.
Unfortunately, no similar reconciliation is anticipated after this recent departure. Smith informed head coach Penny Hardaway of his decision to leave the program on Saturday morning, mentioning uncertainty regarding his NIL package, according to a reliable source who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Smith participated in one of Memphis’ two exhibition games, where he recorded eight points and grabbed two rebounds in just 15 minutes during an 84-76 loss to North Carolina on October 15. However, he was sidelined for the Tigers’ 96-88 defeat against Alabama on October 28 due to an ankle injury sustained during practice, as confirmed by Hardaway.
With Smith’s departure, the Tigers face a significant challenge in their frontcourt. While Nicholas Jourdain was slated to start at the forward position, Smith was anticipated to play a vital role in the team’s rotation.
As Memphis looks to fill this gap, they now rely on Dain Dainja and Moussa Cisse as their primary options in the center position, with Jourdain being the only true forward currently eligible to play. Junior college transfer Damarien Yates, standing at 6-5, may also see action to help address Smith’s exit, alongside junior college transfer Bouna Kebe, a 6-7 forward signed last month, who did not participate in either exhibition game due to “academics and eligibility,” according to Hardaway.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
### Interview with College Basketball Expert on Tyreek Smith’s Transfer Decision
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. With the recent news of Tyreek Smith entering the transfer portal after leaving Memphis, what are your thoughts on this development for both Smith and the Memphis basketball program?
**Expert:** It’s certainly a significant move for Tyreek Smith and reflects the complicated dynamics in college athletics today. Smith has already transferred multiple times, and this pattern suggests he’s actively searching for the right fit for his skills and aspirations. Memphis, being a storied program with high expectations, may not have aligned with what he was seeking.
**Interviewer:** It seems like Smith had a somewhat tumultuous start to his time at Memphis. How do you interpret his request for personal days, and how might his mentor’s comments about NIL discrepancies have influenced his decision?
**Expert:** Those personal days often indicate inner turmoil—whether it’s about team dynamics, playing time, or outside pressures like NIL. His mentor’s comments hint at a larger issue, one that many athletes are currently facing regarding NIL compensation. It suggests that Smith may have felt undervalued or not fully supported in that area, which can be a crucial factor for student-athletes today.
**Interviewer:** Given the timing of his departure right before the regular season starts, what impact does this have on both Tyreek and the Memphis Tigers?
**Expert:** For Smith, entering the portal now allows him to pursue opportunities at other programs where he may find a better fit or more playing time, and he could still become eligible by December. For Memphis, while losing a player this close to the season isn’t ideal, it gives them a chance to refocus on players fully committed to the program. However, it does raise questions about team cohesion and how they’ll respond on the court later today against Missouri.
**Interviewer:** What should teams look for when considering a transfer like Smith?
**Expert:** Teams will want to evaluate not just Smith’s talent but also his mental resilience and compatibility with their program culture. Every transfer carries with it a baggage of past experiences. Coaches need to understand the full picture and what a player like Smith could bring to their roster both on and off the court.
**Interviewer:** As we shift gears to Memphis’s upcoming matchup against Missouri, how do you think this situation could affect their performance?
**Expert:** There could be a mix of emotions for the team. On one hand, players might be motivated to rally together and prove themselves, especially if they were close with Smith. On the other hand, if the situation creates any division or distraction, it could negatively impact their focus. The coaching staff’s ability to manage this transition will be key to maintaining a strong competitive spirit during the game.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights on this developing story. It’s certainly an interesting time for college basketball as these dynamics continue to evolve.
**Expert:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. It will be fascinating to see how these narratives unfold throughout the season.
