Memphis Tigers Add Latvian Transfer Sharpshooter

Rihards Vavers, a 6-7 senior wing, joins Penny Hardaway's squad from Washington State.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting depicting the dynamic motion of a basketball player shooting a three-pointer, with vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw energy of the moment.The addition of sharpshooter Rihards Vavers injects a burst of energy and scoring punch into the Memphis Tigers' lineup.Memphis Today

Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway has reportedly secured his first transfer of the offseason, adding Rihards Vavers, a 6-7 senior forward from Adaži, Latvia, who was a top-30 three-point shooter in the country last season while playing for Washington State.

Why it matters

The addition of Vavers, a proven sharpshooter, could provide a significant boost to the Memphis Tigers' perimeter scoring and spacing as they look to build on last season's success and compete for a conference title.

The details

Vavers, a native of Adaži, Latvia, spent the last four seasons playing for Washington State, where he established himself as one of the top long-range threats in the Pac-12 conference. In the 2025-26 season, he ranked among the nation's top-30 three-point shooters, connecting on 41.5% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

  • Vavers entered the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season at Washington State.
  • He announced his commitment to join the Memphis Tigers on April 12, 2026.

The players

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team.

Rihards Vavers

A 6-7 senior forward from Adaži, Latvia, who is transferring from Washington State to join the Memphis Tigers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rihards is a proven shooter who will immediately improve our perimeter game. We're excited to add his experience and skill set to our roster.”

— Penny Hardaway, Head Coach, Memphis Tigers

What’s next

Vavers will be eligible to play immediately for the Tigers as a graduate transfer, providing an immediate boost to their lineup for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The addition of Rihards Vavers, a sharpshooting wing from Latvia, represents a significant offseason acquisition for the Memphis Tigers as they look to build on their recent success and compete for a conference championship in the upcoming season.