Chandler Lawson to transfer to Arkansas after two seasons with Memphis basketball

Chandler Lawson is off to Arkansas to play his final season of college basketball, he announced Friday.

The former Memphis forward began his career at Oregon, where he played two seasons, before playing the last two seasons under coach Penny Hardaway. In 2021-22, Lawson was hampered by an ankle injury he suffered in late November, which kept him out for two months and limited his production (1.6 points, 2.2 rebounds per game). Last season, he stayed healthy and his playing time increased. In 35 games (24 starts), Lawson averaged 19.5 minutes, 5.0 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Lawson spent three seasons at East High in Memphis, where he won three state championships with the Mustangs. Hardaway was an assistant coach during his freshman and sophomore seasons, then took over as head coach during Lawson's junior year. Lawson finished his prep career at Wooddale.

Lawson's departure also marks the end of an era at Memphis. His two older brothers, Dedric and K.J., spent two seasons (2015-17) with the Tigers. In May, their younger brother, Johnathan, transferred out of Memphis. Johnathan Lawson was with the Tigers for two seasons, redshirting in 2021-22 and appearing in 29 games last season. Their father, Keelon, was a member of former coach Tubby Smith's staff both as an assistant coach and director of player development.

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Chandler Lawson is the fourth scholarship player from last season's team to transfer out. Keonte Kennedy (Cal), Ian Granja (Coastal Carolina) and Johnathan Lawson (Creighton) are the others. Malcolm Dandridge is currently in the transfer portal, but he has not yet publicly announced his next move.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: Chandler Lawson transferring to Arkansas