Mississippi Valley State Guard Michael James Enters Transfer Portal

Memphis HC Penny Hardaway looking to bolster roster with portal addition

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:58am

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Michael James, a guard for Mississippi Valley State, has entered the NCAA transfer portal according to a report. The Memphis Tigers, led by head coach Penny Hardaway, are expected to be among the schools interested in adding James to their roster as they look to bolster their lineup.

Why it matters

The transfer portal has become an increasingly important part of the college basketball landscape, allowing players to explore opportunities at new programs. James' decision to enter the portal gives Memphis and other schools a chance to evaluate him as a potential addition to their rosters for the upcoming season.

The details

James, a 6-foot-2 guard, played the past two seasons at Mississippi Valley State. As a sophomore in 2025-26, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. His ability to score and distribute the ball could make him an attractive option for Hardaway and the Tigers as they look to build on their recent success.

  • Michael James entered the NCAA transfer portal on March 15, 2026.

The players

Michael James

A 6-foot-2 guard who played the past two seasons at Mississippi Valley State.

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Michael James is a talented guard who could be a great addition to our roster. We'll be closely evaluating his situation and exploring the possibility of bringing him to Memphis.”

— Penny Hardaway, Head Coach, Memphis Tigers

What’s next

The Memphis coaching staff is expected to meet with James in the coming days to discuss the potential of him joining the Tigers' program.

The takeaway

The transfer portal continues to be an important tool for college basketball programs like Memphis to find talented players who can contribute immediately. James' decision to enter the portal gives the Tigers and other schools a chance to evaluate him as a potential roster addition.