PJ Haggerty: From Transfer Portal Star to Kansas State Wildcat
PJ Haggerty, a 6'3" guard from Crosby, Texas, has become one of the most talked-about names in the college basketball transfer portal. Coming off an All-American campaign with the Memphis Tigers, Haggerty's decision to transfer has drawn significant attention from programs across the nation. After initially declaring for the NBA draft, Haggerty has committed to Kansas State.
Haggerty's Rise to Prominence
Haggerty's journey through college basketball has been marked by consistent improvement and impressive performances. He began his career with six games at TCU before transferring to Tulsa in the spring of 2023. In his lone season with the Golden Hurricane, Haggerty averaged 21.2 points per game, earning All-AAC honors as a redshirt freshman. He then moved to Memphis, where he truly blossomed into a star.
During his time with the Memphis Tigers, Haggerty led the team with 21.7 points per game and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 47.6% from the floor. His outstanding performance earned him the AAC Player of the Year award and a second-team All-American selection. Haggerty also helped lead Memphis to a 29-6 record, securing both the regular-season and conference tournament championships in the AAC, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed.
A Coveted Transfer Prospect
Haggerty's decision to enter the transfer portal made him one of the most sought-after players available. As the No. 2 overall prospect in the transfer portal according to 247Sports, Haggerty garnered interest from numerous high-profile programs.
Before committing to K-State, the Wildcats were projected to be the nation’s 68th-best team next season, per Bart Torvik. But the postseason suddenly seems within reach now that Haggerty is in the fold. Add Haggerty’s production to the K-State basketball roster, and the Wildcats are now projected at No. 44.
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The Appeal of Kansas State
Ultimately, Haggerty chose to commit to Kansas State, a decision influenced by several factors. The opportunity to play for Coach Jerome Tang, known for his history with guard development, was a significant draw. Additionally, the Wildcats offered a lucrative NIL deal, reported by college basketball reporter Adam Zagoria to be worth $2 million in guaranteed money, with incentives potentially pushing it closer to $2.5 million.
Kansas State also presented Haggerty with the chance to be the unquestioned star of the team, filling the void left by outgoing transfer Dug McDaniel. This move feels like a trade, as McDaniel transferred from K-State to Memphis, and Haggerty switched from Memphis to K-State.
Other Potential Destinations
Before his commitment to Kansas State, several other programs were considered potential landing spots for Haggerty.
- Florida: With all three starting guards from the reigning national champion Gators team gone (and backup Denzel Aberdeen leaving for Kentucky), the team needed a star to replace Alijah Martin Jr. in the backcourt.
- Ole Miss: Like Florida, Ole Miss lost all of its guards from the previous season. With no point guard on the roster, Haggerty would have been the clear lead guy.
- Texas: With Julian Larry and Tre Johnson gone, Texas needed a point guard to complement Jordan Pope. New HC Sean Miller needed to make a splash to get the team back in contention in the SEC, and Haggerty would have been the perfect addition.
- Texas Tech: If staying close to home in Texas mattered, the Red Raiders would have been a very appealing landing spot.
Haggerty's Impact on Kansas State
Haggerty's arrival at Kansas State is expected to have a significant impact on the team's performance. His scoring ability, playmaking skills, and experience will be valuable assets for the Wildcats. As Kellis Robinett covers Kansas State athletics for The Wichita Eagle and The Kansas City Star reported, Haggerty is, by far, the biggest impact transfer that Tang has landed this offseason.
Haggerty joins shooting guard Nate Johnson, power forward Khamari McGriff, shooting guard Abdi Bashir Jr. and power forward Tyreek Smith in Kansas State’s portal class.
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A Look at Other Notable Transfers
While Haggerty's transfer has dominated headlines, several other players have also made notable moves through the transfer portal:
- RJ Luis Jr. (St. John's to NBA): After a career year with the Red Storm, Luis Jr. is testing the waters in the NBA Draft process.
- Jamir Watkins (Florida State to Arkansas): The six-foot-seven guard averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists at Florida State this past season.
- Darrion Williams (Texas Tech to Texas Tech): The versatile forward developed into a two-way star for the Red Raiders, averaging 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals.
- Boogie Fland (Arkansas to NBA): After averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in his freshman season at Arkansas, Fland is testing the NBA waters.
- Zeke Mayo (Kansas to Houston): The six-foot-four guard quickly became a key player for the Jayhawks, averaging 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
- Desmond Claude (USC): The six-foot-six guard averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in his lone season with the Trojans.
- Ante Brzovic (College of Charleston to Gonzaga): Brzovic has spent the last few seasons at College of Charleston, where he's impressed.
- Dawson Garcia (Minnesota to Michigan): After a monster season at Minnesota, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and two assists, Garcia heads to Michigan.
- Malik Thomas (San Francisco to Virginia): This past season, the six-foot-five guard put together a career year, averaging 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
- Tyon Grant-Foster (Grand Canyon to Michigan State): The guard finally got an opportunity to showcase his ability as a natural scorer at Grand Canyon.
- Trey Parker (NC State to South Carolina): The six-foot-one guard averaged 4.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in a limited role during his freshman season with the Wolfpack.
- Jaeden Zackery (Clemson to Boston College): Between his three years at Boston College and one year at Clemson, the guard has started in 134 of 136 games.
- Rakease Passmore (Kansas to LSU): The six-five guard has the talent, but he's seeking a more significant opportunity to showcase his abilities.
- JaKobe Coles (Grand Canyon to UCLA): The forward started his college journey at Butler before transferring to TCU, where he spent three seasons.
- Efton Reid (Wake Forest to NC State): This past season, the seven-footer put together an impressive senior campaign, averaging 8.8 points, and 6.6 rebounds.
- Taye Fields (North Alabama): The six-foot-four guard averaged 11.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists
- Isaiah Swope (Saint Louis to Indiana): The undersized guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds at Saint Louis this past season.
- Enoch Boakye (Villanova to Syracuse): The big man transferred to Villanova, hoping a fresh start could rejuvenate his career.
- Justin Vander Baan (Lafayette to Illinois): After a career-year, averaging 12.7 points, seven rebounds and 3.1 assists, the seven-footer enters the transfer portal.
- Duke Miles (Oklahoma to West Virginia): The guard committed to Virginia earlier in the cycle, before committing to Texas A&M.
- Ahmad Robinson (Mercer): The undersized guard showcased his ability to be a dynamic scorer, averaging 16.9 points, five assists, and 4.9 rebounds.
- Mister Dean (USC Upstate to South Carolina): The six-foot-six guard averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 57.2% from the field in his freshman season at USC Upstate.
- Tyler McGhie (UC San Diego to NC State): In 35 starts with the Tritons this year, the guard averaged 16.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, while shooting 41.5% from field goal range.
- Dontrez Styles (NC State to Georgetown): This past season, the playmaker averaged 11.4 points and five rebounds.
- Isaiah Hawthore (Northern Colorado to UCLA): The six-foot-eight forward averaged 17.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in 34 starts this season.
- Payton Sparks (Ball State to Indiana State): After a lackluster season with the Hoosiers, the big man returned to his roots and re-joined the Cardinals.
- Hamad Mousa (Dayton to VCU): As a result, the six-foot-eight guard decided to enter the transfer portal.
- Samage Teel (Indiana State to South Carolina): After an impressive season, averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds the guard heads to the transfer portal.
- Trent McLaughlin (Northern Arizona to Creighton): In 34 starts, the guard averaged 22.1 points 3,6 rebounds and 3,4 assists.
- Ven-Allen Lubin (North Carolina to Auburn): The six-foot-eight forward averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds this past year at North Carolina.
- Baba Miller (FAU to Louisville): The Spain product averaged 11.3 points, seven rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 34 starts for the Owls.
- Dylan Faulkner (Lipscomb to Minnesota): In 15 games with the Bisons this past year, the six-foot-nine forward averaged 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and two assists.
- Dante Maddox Jr. (Xavier): Dante Maddox Jr. transferred to Xavier after a breakout season at Toledo in 2024, averaging 15.6 points.
- Keonte Jones (Cal State to USC): Fresh off a career year, the forward entered the portal seeking a fresh start.
- Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (NC State to Memphis): After two seasons with the Cardinals, the big man transferred to NC State, where he spent this past year before entering the transfer portal.
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