Arkansas Basketball first to contact Memphis transfer

Eric Musselman and the transfer portal.

They both go together like French fries and ketchup.

One of the latest entrants into the transfer portal is Memphis forward, Chandler Lawson.

Memphis F Chandler Lawson (@chandlerlawson0 ) has received interest from the following schools since hitting the transfer portal, per source:

– Cal
– St. Louis
– DePaul
– Santa Barbara
– BYU
– Arkansas
– South Carolina

Potentially a Big 10 school too… @DavisMoseley pic.twitter.com/MUm9cCR2Ch

— Hitmen Hoops Media (@HitmenHoops) June 19, 2023

The Memphis native transferred home last season after spending his first two seasons at Oregon. The 6’7 forward averaged 5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 24 starts for the Tigers last season

After striking out on top high school prospect Ron Holland and best available transfer Grant Nelson, the Hogs are still on the look out for a quality player for the 3-4 position. The Razorbacks have shown interest in several players suited for that role including former Southern Miss forward, Denijay Harris. Another player to keep an eye on to fill the final roster spot is four-star guard Chris Johnson. The 6’4 combo guard was recently released from his letter of intent to play for Kansas.

What makes Lawson an intriguing prospect is that Arkansas’ staff was so interested that they contacted him the moment his name was in the portal. The Razorbacks not only dictate the space and pace on the court but also in the transfer market. Bringing in a talented player like Lawson would be a key piece to establishing more than quality depth at the post position.

Lawson was a highly rated high school prospect in the 2019 class. The Woodale (Memphis, Tenn.) product was the 95th overall player in his class, 16th best power forward prospect and ranked second in the state of Tennessee. He committed to Oregon over Florida, Kansas and Baylor.

What the scout said:

A wiry athlete with a tremendous wingspan. Utilizes both to make plays. Most effective as a multi positional defender who creates steals. Also is a quality rebounder. Limited offensively. Primarily a finisher around the basket off rebounds, dump-off passes and a straight-line drive. Not a good jump shooter at this point. Potential is there with his athleticism and length. -Jerry Meyer, 247sports

Current transfer class:

Khalif Battle (Temple)

El Ellis (Louisiville)

Keyon Menifield (Washington)

Jeremiah Davenport (Cincinnati)

Tramon Mark (Houston)