Walton in Memphis

Tigers add yet another late roster piece, and one that could help them win the AAC. Plus, Bronny's out of the hospital, and the best mid-major scorers for 2023-24.

Author

Tristan Freeman
July 28, 2023

We’re less than 100 days until the start of the 2023-24 season, and some roster moves are still being made. Could they still be essential to future success?

Let's get to the news.

1. Jaykwon Walton’s journey finishes in Memphis

Jaykwon Walton’s summer wasn’t straightforward. After leaving Wichita State, the 6-7 guard originally committed to Alabama, but a marijuana possession arrest ended that.

Then, Walton committed to UCF — only that wasn’t a confirmed commitment because he’s now headed to Memphis.

Earlier this week, the Tigers lost Teafale Lenard, a 6-7 wing from Middle Tennessee, who opted to go pro. Walton is effectively his replacement. He’s not as good of a defender, but he’s a much better offensive threat. The former Shocker averaged 13.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg last season, shooting 54% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

Walton projects to be the sixth man for Memphis. Jahvon Quinerly, Caleb Mills, and David Jones are likely to start in the backcourt, while Jordan Brown and potentially DeAndre Williams lead the way inside. But if Williams doesn’t get a waiver from the NCAA, Jones could move to the 4-spot, allowing Walton to start on the wing.

Either way, coach Penny Hardaway has built a roster good enough to compete for an AAC title and another NCAA Tournament appearance — and he did it by adding players after July 4. That’s pretty clutch. And he may not even be done yet.

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2. Bronny James released from hospital

On Monday, Bronny James reportedly collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest at USC practice. He was in the ICU, but 72 hours later, he is out of the hospital.

It’s been quite the scare for LeBron James and his family.

It’s a relief that any immediate health concerns have subsided, allowing Bronny to begin his recovery process. Now the question is if the Top 30 recruit will be able to play this season.

The 6-3 guard is an essential part of USC’s Top 5 recruiting class. Not that he should be rushed back to the court. But he’s 18 and about to begin his college career. That’s a hard time to exhibit patience.

The Trojans dealt with something similar last year with Vincent Iwuchukwu, a freshman big who suffered a cardiac incident during an offseason practice. The former 5-star prospect eventually was cleared and played 14 games last season.

There will be plenty of time to analyze what the USC roster will look like with or without James if he’s cleared for the 2023-24 campaign. But for now, let’s be glad that the latest update here is a good one and wish Bronny a speedy recovery in the coming months.

3. The best mid-major scorers back for more

Guys like Max Abmas and Jordan Dingle were top names in the transfer portal thanks to their natural scoring ability. Yet they made the jump to major conference programs for their final college hoops seasons.

They weren’t alone, either.

So who are the best ones that stayed with their programs? Here's a look at the top five returning scorers from the mid-major ranks and their early outlook.

Elijah Pepper: UC Davis (22.5 ppg)

The 6-4 guard averaged a whopping 28 ppg in the final 12 games from last season, including three 32-point performances. Pepper is a four-year starter and three-time all-conference performer who should be the favorite for Big West POY. The Aggies last made the NCAA Tournament in 2017, and in Pepper's last year of eligibility, this is their best chance at returning.

Drew Pember: UNC Asheville (21.0 ppg)

The 6-10 forward started his career at Tennessee before dominating the Big South, where he won not only Conference Player of the Year last year but Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Pember also went for a career-high 48 points and 12 rebounds against Presbyterian, including 8-of-10 from deep. His return makes the Bulldogs a contender, but he’ll have to do even more without three returning starters.

Trey Calvin: Wright State (20.3 ppg)

The 6-foot scoring guard is the latest star offensive player at Wright State, making 39% of his 3-point shots last season. That includes a career-high 44 points in a triple-overtime loss to Youngstown State. The Raiders are adding another former 20 ppg scorer in Tanner Holden, a former Wright State star who spent a season at Ohio State. If he gets back into form, this will be the best duo in the Horizon League.

Marques Warrick: Northern Kentucky (18.8 ppg)

Another returning star in the Horizon League, Warrick has averaged 17.3 ppg in three years, which includes a career-high 45 points in double-overtime against Tennessee Tech this past year. The Norse made the NCAA Tournament last season and remain a favorite to repeat thanks to Warrick; who by the way, still has two years left of eligibility.

Cameron Tyson: Seattle (18.6 ppg)

When Darrion Trammell left Seattle to lead San Diego State to the national title game last season, Tyson became the go-to option. The 6-2 guard dropped 67 points in his first two games and had 15 games of 20-plus points. With he and 12.0 ppg scoring guard Alex Schumacher back for their extra years, look for the Redhawks to make a push for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1969.

Plain English

Kim English’s rise through the college coaching ranks has been swift, going from an assistant at Tulsa, Colorado and Tennessee before becoming George Mason’s head coach. At 34, he takes over a Providence program accustomed to winning, and with a roster that should win in 2023-24. He told Jeff Goodman that those expectations shouldn’t stop, either.

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