Mark Pope makes move for Memphis Star guard Pj Haggerty who has just entered the NCAA Transfer Portal….
Mark Pope, head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, is reportedly making a strong push to acquire Memphis star guard PJ Haggerty, who has just entered the NCAA Transfer Portal Haggerty, an All-American guard, has caught the attention of several top programs, with Kentucky and Texas emerging as leading contenders for his services.
Pope, now in his second year at Kentucky, is actively reshaping the Wildcats’ roster through the transfer portal, aiming to build a competitive and modern team after significant turnover last season. With five of last year’s six leading scorers graduating, Pope is seeking impactful players like Haggerty to fill key roles, particularly in the backcourt.
Haggerty’s addition would bolster Kentucky’s guard depth and scoring ability, complementing recent portal acquisitions such as Tulane transfer Kam Williams, who Pope has already praised for his potential impact. Memphis coach Penny Hardaway has developed several transfer players successfully, including Haggerty, but the allure of Kentucky’s tradition and Pope’s vision for the program could sway the talented guard.
As Haggerty weighs his options, Kentucky appears poised to make a significant move to secure his commitment, which would be a major coup for Pope as he continues to rebuild the Wildcats into a national contender. The transfer portal has become a critical tool for Kentucky’s roster construction, and landing a player of Haggerty’s caliber would signal Pope’s intent to compete at the highest level next season.
