What can Brown do for you?

Think you’ve got big budget decisions after planning that summer trip and all those school loans? That’s nothing compared to Xavier’s “definite maybe” of adding college football.

Glad I’m not the one making that call. Let's get to some hoops news.

1. Memphis adds a big piece in roster rebuild

When you only return one player from a 26-win team that claimed the AAC tourney title, that’s usually a bad thing.

But Memphis doesn’t seem to be panicking. And after Tuesday, it’s feeling a whole lot better about its 2023-24 outlook.

Former Louisiana big man Jordan Brown announced he’ll be a Tiger next season, giving coach Penny Hardaway an incredible piece for the rest of his roster.

This will be the fourth program for the 6-11 center, but that’s not for a lack of production. He was the Mountain West Freshman of the Year at Nevada, spent two seasons at Arizona (where he was the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year in 2021), then spent the past two seasons crushing Sun Belt teams.

He averaged 17.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 60 games at Louisiana, and nearly topped 20 (19.3) last season when he led the Ragin’ Cajuns to the NCAA Tournament.

His game will translate to the AAC, too. Brown is a former McDonald’s All-American who dropped 20 on Texas in the noncon and put up 16 and 4 in the NCAA tourney loss to Tennessee. Plus, he’ll be 25 years old this season.

Brown is the seventh transfer for Memphis this offseason, which also brings in four rookies. Hardaway’s still waiting on whether fringe 5-star freshman Mikey Williams will play — he was arrested in April on six felony gun charges — but he is also rumored to be the leader for former Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly.

Plus, forward DeAndre Williams has petitioned for another season of eligibility. Guess he’s trying to make Brown feel like a youngster…

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2. NCAA sends an NIL warning. Will schools care?

The NCAA wants it known that its rules should be followed. Even when it comes to “permissive state laws.”

Tuesday’s news was part of a memo obtained by Sports Illustrated that specifically targeted NIL, collectives, and how schools act in the future. Multiple states have introduced or passed NIL laws that make it illegal for the NCAA to investigate or punish schools in their jurisdiction.

The NCAA isn’t having it.

“NCAA rules are adopted by member schools,” the memo stated. “It is not fair to those schools who follow the rules to not enforce rules against those who choose not to do so. Schools who do not like the application of a particular rule should work through the NCAA governance process to change the rule. Unless and until the membership changes a particular rule, all schools, as part of a voluntary membership, are required to comply.”

You can read more of the memo below, and the full story here.

However … schools will likely read the memo, and maintain their current NIL approach. Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork told ESPN that “state law will reign” for his program, a move that SEC, Big 12, Big Ten and other power conference schools will follow.

Especially when the law is on their side. Like, clearly on their side. Seriously.

Smaller programs without substantial support could end up following the rules, at least for a little while. But in the end, the NCAA will have to adjust its policies or just figure out a way to work with the schools on a suitable solution.

3. Team USA finishes U19 pool play unbeaten

Coming off a nerve-racking win over Slovenia, Team USA's final game of pool play was a little more relaxed.

They beat Lebanon, 122-70, at the 2023 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup. A 19-1 run to close out the first quarter set the tone and the pace for the final margin.

Villanova guard Mark Armstrong led Team USA with 17 points.

The cool part? Once you finish today’s Daily, you’ll be ready to watch their Round of 16 game against China, which starts at 9 am ET.

The Chinese went 0-3 in pool play, so it’ll probably be more of the same from Tuesday. A victory over China would have the U.S. face the winner of Japan-Hungary on Friday.

Big shoes to fill

Is Red Autry feeling the pressure to replace Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim at Syracuse? You’d never guess it with the relaxing chat he had with John Fanta in our Off the Carousel series. They dive into Autry’s childhood, college recruitment and much more.

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Links as you prep for NBA free agency.

• New Mexico State settled the lawsuit alleging sexual assault in the men’s program.

• Changes are coming to NLI that include no penalties for athletes who want to change schools.

• UCLA assistant Ivo Simović is reportedly joining the Raptors’ staff. He’s been a key part of the Bruins’ international recruitment.

• Bradley coach Brian Wardle signed a multi-year extension with the school.

• Rhode Island is getting 2024 4-star guard Ben Hammond.

• Is there a reason behind San Diego State releasing correspondence about its Mountain West departure?

Thanks for reading The Field of 68 Daily! If you have a news tip or feedback, email us at [email protected].