Memphis basketball mailbag: David Jones, AAC competition, when Tigers are expected to arrive

In less than a week, Memphis basketball will have definitive clarity on David Jones' future.

His still-looming decision − whether to return to the Tigers for another season or keep his name in the 2024 NBA Draft − will either make coach Penny Hardaway's offseason a smashing success or dial up the uncertainty to a degree.

Hardaway and his staff have already put the program in a fine position. They have added seven transfers so far. The class, headlined by former Texas guard Tyrese Hunter, former Tulsa guard PJ Haggerty and former Illinois big man Dain Dainja, is rated No. 11 in the country by 247Sports. The Tigers have also shored up the frontcourt, bringing back shot-blocking 7-footer Moussa Cisse and adding former SMU standout Tyreek Smith. And Hardaway is bringing back forward Nick Jourdain.

While we await Jones' next move, there is still plenty to discuss. With that in mind, let's dig into this week's mailbag:

What's the deadline for David Jones to decide if he's coming back to Memphis? — Chance Nesbitt, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

Jones has until 10:59 p.m. CT on May 29 to withdraw from draft consideration. If any player has not withdrawn by that time, they will not be eligible to play in the 2024-25 season.

Does Memphis plan to use all 13 scholarships? — Matthew Cobbs, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

This is still TBD.

As it stands now, nine scholarships have been claimed (Hunter, Haggerty, Dainja, Cisse, Smith, Jourdain, Colby Rogers, Baraka Okojie and Jared Harris). If Jones returns, that's 10.

Hardaway will almost certainly add a couple more transfers before it's all said and done. Although the prospect of holding a scholarship or two back has been explored, nothing has been decided one way or the other.

What is the likelihood of the entire roster showing up next month? — David Jacobson, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

Hardaway is very motivated to have as much of the roster on campus by June 1 as he can. But, with four unclaimed scholarships, it's a longshot that "the entire roster" will be here by then.

Most players, however, are expected to begin reporting for camp (which begins June 1) this weekend. Haggerty, Rogers, Dainja, Harris and Smith have each confirmed to The Commercial Appeal they will be among that group.

Is there any official news on the makeup of the coaching staff for next season? — Michael Wofford, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

Nothing official.

Hardaway plans to add Memphis legend Andre Turner to his staff. But, according to multiple sources, Turner will not be an assistant coach and his specific role has not yet been determined.

It would be surprising if there wasn't at least one change to the assistant coaching staff.

How is the NIL money from FedEx divided between football and basketball? — Emile Bizot, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

When FedEx announced its landmark agreement ($5 million in NIL money annually for each of the next five years) with Memphis, both entities declined to divulge how much of the pie will go toward which sports.

They also said it will ultimately be up to FedEx's discretion how the money is divvied up.

But, football is expected to benefit most from the deal, while the share for men's basketball is also likely going to be north of seven figures − in the first year, at least.

What does the non-conference schedule look like up to this point? — Stephen Ousley, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

Ten of the 13 non-conference games are set.

The program recently announced it will host Mississippi State on Dec. 21. Other confirmed home games include Missouri and Ole Miss, although dates have not been announced.

The Tigers will face UNLV, Clemson and Virginia in true road games. They also have a neutral-site contest at San Francisco (Nov. 21, at the Chase Center) and will participate in the Maui Invitational in Hawaii (Nov. 23-25), where they will play three of the following teams: UConn, North Carolina, Dayton, Michigan State, Auburn, Colorado or Iowa State.

Who appears to be the biggest competitor in the AAC − besides Memphis? — Jeff Hulett, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

UAB, easily.

SMU is in the ACC now. South Florida and FAU were ravaged by the transfer portal. North Texas, too. Tulsa and Wichita State lost their best players to Memphis. Tulane's top players saw their eligibility expire.

The Blazers, however, are set to welcome Yaxel Lendeborg and Eric Gaines back. Coach Andy Kennedy has also reeled in some nice transfers (Greg Gordon, Bradley Ezewiro and Tyren Moore).

East Carolina brings RJ Felton back, which is big for the Pirates. But they also lost quite a bit to the portal.

MEMPHIS BASKETBALL: Jared Harris, the Tigers' only true freshman, knows what's ahead of him

What was the outcome of the Malcolm Dandridge deal? — Mickey Granger, via Tiger Basketball Insider text group

There has not been one.

At last check, the situation that led to the former player being held out of the final five games of the season remains an ongoing process.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball mailbag: David Jones, when Tigers are expected to arrive