Malcolm Dandridge returning to Memphis basketball, bolstering Tigers' frontcourt depth
Malcolm Dandridge isn't going anywhere.
The Memphis native entered the transfer portal more than three months ago. But Dandridge, a 6-foot-9 fifth-year senior center, announced he will remain a Tiger. Saint Louis and West Virginia were among the programs to reportedly express interest in the big man.
Dandridge's return bolsters Penny Hardaway's frontcourt, where things were slightly thin. Former five-star recruit and last season's Lou Henson Award winner Jordan Brown and Temple transfer Nick Jourdain were the only traditional bigs Memphis had during its preseason trip to the Dominican Republic earlier this month. The Tigers still remain hopeful that all-conference power forward DeAndre Williams will be granted one more season of eligibility by the NCAA.
With Dandridge back in the fold, Memphis has 12 scholarship players on campus. The 13th and final scholarship would go to DeAndre Williams if he's ruled eligible. Mikey Williams, a 4-star combo guard, still has not joined the team. He was arrested in April and is facing six felony gun charges. His preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 5.
Dandridge was the first commitment for Hardaway's first No. 1 recruiting class in 2019, officially announcing his intention to attend Memphis less than two months after the legendary Tiger took over the program in spring 2018.
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The former East High standout's Memphis career was significantly marred by injury. In four seasons with his hometown Tigers, Dandridge has played in 101 games (14 starts) and averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds a game. Lingering effects of a knee injury that cut short his final season of high school bothered him for much of his first three seasons at Memphis. Following additional surgery last offseason to help alleviate those issues, Dandridge went down with a high ankle sprain on Dec. 13, 2022, during a loss at Alabama. He sat out the next 15 games before returning Feb. 19 at Houston.
The Tigers open the regular season against Jackson State on Nov. 6 at FedExForum.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Malcolm Dandridge announces return to Memphis basketball
