PJ Haggerty, a former guard for Memphis, remains the top player in the men’s college basketball transfer portal who hasn’t yet explored the NBA draft. Last season, he was a standout scorer for the Tigers, averaging 21.7 points per game, which placed him third in Division I. He’s the key player returning for the 2025-2026 season.
When Haggerty entered the transfer portal, he reportedly sought a $4 million commitment. With most rosters starting to solidify, top-tier players appear to be courting the best offers, leaving some intriguing opportunities for those still holding onto their budgets. Recently, a new front-runner emerged for Haggerty, featuring a head coach who led a team to the Final Four just two years ago.
According to College Hoops Insider Jeff Goodman, NC State is interested in Haggerty. The recruited head coach, who is entering his second season, won an NCAA tournament game this past year against McNeese.
Sources say Ole Miss is no longer in the running for PJ Haggerty. It seems they never actually communicated with him during the process.
NC State looks to be the clear favorite.
– Jeff Goodman (@goodmanhoops) May 2, 2025
Goodman suggests that Chris Beard’s Ole Miss has moved on from pursuing Haggerty. NC State seems like a fitting option, especially after a disappointing 12-19 season, following their Cinderella run to the 2024 Final Four as an 11th seed.
Haggerty has the potential to be a pivotal player for a strong college team next season. He delivered impressive performances for Memphis, notably scoring 42 points against Wichita State in the AAC Tournament quarterfinals and 23 points against UAB in the conference title game.
So far, Wade has had a good offseason with NC State’s transfer portal, but they still need a lead guard. The Wolfpack’s class is highlighted by Tre Holland, a long, agile wing defender from Houston, along with Terrance Arceneaux, an experienced guard from Michigan. They’ve also brought in Jerry Deng, a 6’9” forward from Florida, adding to a roster of intriguing prospects.
With Haggerty, North Carolina could potentially build a competitive NCAA tournament team within the ACC, particularly since only four men’s teams from the 18-member conference made it to the NCAA tournament last season.
