TJ Bamba commits to Oregon. What it could mean for David Jones and Memphis basketball

Villanova guard TJ Bamba announced his commitment to Oregon basketball on Thursday.

A notable development for Memphis considering the 6-foot-5 veteran 3-and-D player took an official visit with Penny Hardaway's program less than a week ago, leading to rampant speculation in recent days that the Tigers had landed Bamba.

Instead, the No. 55 player in the transfer portal this offseason (according to CBS Sports) − whose collegiate career began at Washington State − is heading back out west.

But Bamba's decision to suit up for the Ducks could, perhaps, be a sign of something far more significant. Something that most Memphis fans would agree is much more desirable than another newcomer. Is it possible that the Tigers losing out on Bamba brings them another domino closer to the return of All-AAC star David Jones?

What Memphis basketball has done so far

Memphis has already made big strides toward a nearly total rebuild − even if Hardaway still has at least six open scholarships. The Tigers have added transfer guards Tyrese Hunter, PJ Haggerty, Colby Rogers and Baraka Okojie, as well as big man Dain Dainja. Memphis has also signed incoming freshman guard Jared Harris.

So far, that's enough for the No. 8 transfer class in the country, according to 247 Sports. CBS Sports ranks Haggerty (32nd) and Hunter (49th) as two of the top 50 transfers this offseason.

Forward Nicholas Jourdain (6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds a game last season at Memphis) is also in line to return.

Where things stand with David Jones

Jones − the 6-6 offensive powerhouse who averaged 21.8 points (sixth-most in the country) and 7.6 rebounds (most on the team) − announced in April he was declaring for the NBA Draft while also maintaining his collegiate eligibility.

That much had long been expected. Also, in recent weeks, there was some anxiety over whether Jones would also enter the transfer portal. But Wednesday's portal entry deadline came and went without the Dominican Republic native making a move. Which means, if Jones does not turn pro, he will return to Memphis.

Is David Jones closer to returning to Memphis basketball?

What makes Bamba's decision not to play for the Tigers potentially relevant as far as Jones goes is partially because they play the same positions and bring similar assets to the table.

Given the pieces Memphis has already added this offseason, it would have been difficult seeing Bamba and Jones on the same roster. With Hunter, Haggerty, Rogers and a big man likely taking up four starting spots, it's unlikely there would be room for both Bamba and Jones − presumably considering neither are interested in coming off the bench.

MEMPHIS BASKETBALL: Penny Hardaway's first public comments this offseason: David Jones, Memphis basketball identity

Prior to this week, anytime Jones spoke publicly about his basketball future, he was consistently non-committal. Hardaway, on the other hand, has been consistently optimistic about the Tigers' chances of bringing Jones back.

Then, late Tuesday, Jones hosted a series of impromptu live video feeds on Instagram. He showed off several of his Memphis basketball uniforms. He welcomed guest appearances from former Tigers Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Jahvon Quinerly, Jaykwon Walton and others. He reveled in an outpouring of adoration from Memphis fans.

He has until May 29 to withdraw from the NBA Draft 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: What TJ Bamba's commitment to Oregon could mean for Memphis basketball