Transfer from South Carolina Zachary Davis Makes a Memphis Commitment

The college basketball transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of the sport, and the University of Memphis is the latest program to make a significant splash. Former South Carolina forward Zachary Davis has committed to the Tigers, giving head coach Penny Hardaway a versatile and experienced addition to his 2025-26 roster. The 6-foot-8 wing, known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability, brings a unique combination of size, length, and athleticism that will help bolster a Memphis team looking to reassert itself as a powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference.

Davis’ decision marks an important shift in his college basketball journey. After spending two seasons at South Carolina and developing into a valuable contributor for the Gamecocks, Davis enters the next chapter of his career with heightened expectations and a hunger to prove himself at Memphis.

Background: Who is Zachary Davis?

Zachary Davis, a native of Denmark, South Carolina, first made headlines as a multi-dimensional prospect coming out of Denmark-Olar High School. A three-star recruit in the class of 2022, Davis turned heads with his exceptional wingspan, unselfish court vision, and disruptive defense. His length and agility made him a mismatch nightmare on both ends of the floor, and South Carolina saw his long-term potential as a glue guy capable of guarding multiple positions.

As a freshman at South Carolina, Davis was brought along slowly, appearing in 26 games and starting nine. His impact wasn’t always felt in the box score, but Gamecocks coaches praised his defensive instincts, work ethic, and ability to guard 1 through 4. In his sophomore campaign, Davis saw a more significant role and showcased flashes of his offensive growth. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 22.7 minutes per game while shooting 44% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc.

Though his stats didn’t pop off the page, Davis’ impact on winning was real. South Carolina posted its first 20-win season in years, and Davis played a key role in their gritty defensive identity. Still, with the coaching staff making moves in the transfer portal and a crowded wing rotation on the horizon, Davis entered the portal himself, seeking a fresh start and an expanded role.

Why Memphis?

There were several suitors vying for Davis’ services, including mid-level ACC and Big 12 programs as well as a few rising mid-majors. However, Memphis stood out — both in terms of fit and opportunity.

Under Penny Hardaway, Memphis has developed a reputation for empowering long, versatile wings to showcase their full skill sets. The Tigers play a fast, aggressive style of basketball that fits Davis’ strengths: transition scoring, switchable defense, and secondary playmaking. Hardaway, himself a former NBA wing with positional versatility, reportedly emphasized the freedom Davis would have within the Memphis offense and the defensive tenacity required to lead the Tigers on that end.

A source close to Davis noted that the family was impressed by Memphis’ facilities, NIL infrastructure, and coaching staff’s NBA pedigree. Davis made an official visit in early April and left convinced that Memphis was the place to unlock his next level.

“I felt like it was the right time and the right fit,” Davis said in a statement. “Coach Penny believes in my game. He sees me as someone who can be a leader on both ends of the floor. I’m excited for what we can build at Memphis.”

Memphis’ Roster Outlook

The Tigers are undergoing a roster revamp this offseason. After narrowly missing out on the NCAA Tournament in 2025, Penny Hardaway vowed to reshape the team with players who “love the grind” and who bring positional versatility, basketball IQ, and defensive commitment.

Davis is expected to fill the void left by the departure of senior wing Jayden Hardaway and the graduation of multiple key contributors. Memphis had already added a couple of guards via the portal, but Davis is the Tigers’ first wing transfer — and an ideal system fit.

He’s not likely to be the leading scorer, but he doesn’t need to be. His value lies in being a connector — a player who can defend the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer, handle the ball in the halfcourt when needed, make the right reads in transition, and rebound effectively from the wing spot.

With guards like Caleb Mills Jr. returning and 4-star freshman point guard Jamari Wallace expected to play significant minutes, Davis could thrive in an off-ball role where he slashes to the rim, hits open threes, and initiates fast breaks off steals and defensive rebounds.

Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses

Davis’ game is built on intangibles and versatility. Here’s a breakdown of what he brings to Memphis:

Strengths:

• Defensive versatility: Can guard 1 through 4 effectively, disrupt passing lanes, and protect the rim in help situations.
• Transition game: Long strides and good instincts make him a threat in the open court.
• Unselfish play: Looks to create for others, often making the “next pass” that leads to a bucket.
• Length and athleticism: His 6’10” wingspan helps him contest shots, tip passes, and finish around the rim.
• Basketball IQ: Knows how to rotate defensively, understands spacing, and rarely forces bad shots.

Areas for improvement:

• Shot consistency: While he improved his three-point shot to 33%, his form remains streaky, especially under pressure.
• Aggressiveness on offense: At times, Davis can be too deferential, passing up scoring opportunities.
• Free-throw shooting: Still hovering in the low 60s, an area he’ll need to improve to stay on the floor in crunch time.

Hardaway and the Memphis coaching staff believe those weaknesses are coachable and that Davis’ upside far outweighs his limitations.

Reactions from Around the Country

Davis’ transfer has not gone unnoticed. Several national analysts praised the move for both sides.

Jeff Borzello (ESPN):
“Memphis is getting a high-level defender who should thrive in Penny Hardaway’s system. If Davis can find a consistent jumper, he’ll be a game-changer.”

Jon Rothstein (CBS Sports):
“Zachary Davis is one of those ‘winning plays’ guys. He won’t always lead in scoring, but he does everything else at a high level. A strong portal pickup for Memphis.”

Frank Martin (former South Carolina coach):
“I always believed in Zach’s potential. He’s got the length, instincts, and motor to impact the game without needing the ball. He’ll be a fan favorite in Memphis.”

The Bigger Picture: Transfer Portal Evolution

Davis’ commitment to Memphis is also another case study in the ever-evolving dynamics of the transfer portal. Once viewed as a last resort, the portal has now become a primary tool for programs to retool, rebuild, or reload. Players like Davis — not looking to run from adversity, but rather seeking a better fit — are redefining how success is measured in college basketball.

For Memphis, who has had mixed results in portal recruiting over the past few years, the addition of Davis suggests a more measured approach: finding complementary pieces, not just big names. It reflects an understanding of how modern basketball is played — with positionless defenders, selfless offensive players, and lineup flexibility.

Davis isn’t coming in with fanfare or viral mixtapes. But if Memphis makes a deep March run next season, he may be one of the biggest reasons why.

What Davis Brings to the Memphis Culture

Perhaps just as important as Davis’ on-court skill set is his mindset. Known for his humility, work ethic, and team-first approach, Davis brings leadership by example. Former South Carolina teammates often pointed to him as the one always putting in extra film sessions, always clapping for others’ success, and rarely needing the spotlight.

Memphis fans, who appreciate blue-collar toughness and commitment, are likely to embrace Davis quickly. His playing style — gritty defense, hustle plays, and all-around effort — resonates with the city’s ethos.

In a press release, Hardaway summed it up perfectly:
“We want guys who play the right way, who care about winning more than stats, and who represent this city with pride. Zach is that kind of player.”

Looking Ahead: 2025-26 Season Outlook

With Davis now in the fold, Memphis inches closer to finalizing what looks like a well-balanced and deep roster. The Tigers still have two scholarships available and are reportedly targeting a veteran stretch big and a three-point shooting guard.

If Davis can take another step forward offensively and become a consistent two-way force, there’s reason to believe he could play his way onto NBA draft radars or at the very least, into professional conversations overseas or in the G-League.

For now, the focus remains on one thing: winning.

“I just want to help Memphis get back to the tournament and make a run,” Davis said. “That’s the goal. Everything else will come.”

Final Thoughts

In a transfer portal era often defined by chaos and quick fixes, Zachary Davis’ move to Memphis feels refreshingly strategic. It’s about system fit, player development, and mutual belief. For Davis, it’s a chance to step into a bigger role and make a name for himself. For Memphis, it’s a step toward building a team that embodies toughness, versatility, and cohesion.

If Davis plays to his potential, don’t be surprised if the 2025-26 season becomes one of Memphis’ most memorable in years — with Davis at the heart of it.