### Kansas State Secures Star Guard PJ Haggerty from Memphis: A Game-Changing Transfer - PJ Haggerty, a standout guard from Memphis, has officially committed to Kansas State, marking a significant move in college basketball. Haggerty, who was named the 2024-25 AAC Player of the Year, averaged an impressive **21.7 points**, **5.8 rebounds**, and **3.7 assists** per game last season, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the nation. This transfer comes after a successful season with the Tigers, where he also earned Second-Team All-American honors [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/report_kansas_state_lands_memphis_transfer_pj_haggerty/s1_17048_42246284]. ### Breakdown of Haggerty's Transfer Decision 1. **Performance and Recognition**: - Haggerty's stellar performance at Memphis included leading the American Athletic Conference in scoring and being named Player of the Year [https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/pj-haggerty-nations-3rd-leading-scorer-transfers-to-kansas-state-and-withdraws-from-2025-nba-draft-183437400.html]. 2. **Withdrawal from NBA Draft**: - Upon committing to Kansas State, Haggerty withdrew his name from the 2025 NBA Draft, indicating his focus on collegiate play for at least one more season [https://www.si.com/college-basketball/consensus-all-american-guard-pj-haggerty-commits-big-12-school-transfer-portal]. 3. **NIL Considerations**: - Reports suggest that Haggerty was seeking a lucrative NIL deal worth around **$4 million**, which played a significant role in his decision to transfer [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/big_update_in_recruitment_of_memphis_transfer_pj_haggerty/s1_17644_42241645]. 4. **Kansas State's Recent Struggles**: - Kansas State finished the previous season with a **16-17** record, marking their first losing season under coach Jerome Tang. Haggerty's addition is seen as a crucial step to revitalize the program [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/conference_player_of_the_year_makes_transfer_portal_decision_on_monday/s1_17615_42246542]. ### Supporting Data on Haggerty's Impact - **Statistical Highlights**: - **Points per Game**: 21.7 - **Rebounds per Game**: 5.8 - **Assists per Game**: 3.7 - **Field Goal Percentage**: 47.6% - **Three-Point Percentage**: 36.4% - **Free Throw Percentage**: 81.8% [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/k_state_gets_major_transfer_win_with_pj_haggerty_commitment/s1_17403_42246358]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Kansas State 1. **Immediate Impact**: Haggerty's scoring ability and experience will be vital for Kansas State as they look to improve from last season's performance. 2. **Long-Term Vision**: His commitment signals Kansas State's ambition to compete at a higher level in the Big 12, especially with the financial backing for NIL deals. 3. **Future Prospects**: With Haggerty on board, Kansas State aims to build a more competitive roster, potentially attracting more talent in the transfer portal [https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/kansas-state-basketball-news-lands-former-memphis-star-pj-haggerty]. In summary, PJ Haggerty's transfer to Kansas State not only enhances the Wildcats' roster but also reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball, where NIL deals and player mobility are becoming increasingly significant.