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Makur Maker is scheduled to visit Memphis basketball on May 7, alongside Syracuse transfer Ibrahim Souare. Coach Penny Hardaway is hosting both players for evaluations.
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Makur Maker visiting Memphis basketball, Penny Hardaway, per sources
Makur Maker is one of two players Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway is hosting on visits May 7, multiple sources told The Commercial Appeal.
Sources requsted anonymity since they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
In addition to the 7-foot, 25-year-old Maker, Syracuse transfer forward Ibrahim Souare (6-9, 225 pounds) is also visiting the Tigers.
Hardaway has two vacancies left out of his 15 total roster spots. After securing a bevy of guards and wings, Memphis entered this week needing to shore up the frontcourt. So far, Corneilous Williams (6-9), who has averaged more than nine rebounds per game over the past two seasons at North Alabama, is the only true big man the Tigers have added this offseason.
Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Jan 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brandin Cummings (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Makur Maker is visiting Memphis basketball on May 7.
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway is hosting Makur Maker's visit.
Makur Maker is 7 feet tall and 25 years old.
The other player visiting Memphis is Syracuse transfer forward Ibrahim Souare.
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Washington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center.
Memphis Tigers’ William Whorton (12) looks to make a move in the paint against UAB during an American Conference game on Feb. 22, 2025 at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Briarcrest’s Fred Smith Jr. smiles after putting on a Memphis Tigers hat and shirt to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
Memphis basketball commit Cello Jackson looks on after Fred Smith Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
Briarcrest’s Parker Pounds (2) shoots the ball during the DII-AA state quarterfinal against Baylor in Eads, Tenn., on February 28, 2026. Briarcrest defeated Baylor 55-53.
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Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Jan 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brandin Cummings (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Washington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center.
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Memphis Tigers’ William Whorton (12) looks to make a move in the paint against UAB during an American Conference game on Feb. 22, 2025 at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Briarcrest’s Fred Smith Jr. smiles after putting on a Memphis Tigers hat and shirt to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
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Memphis basketball commit Cello Jackson looks on after Fred Smith Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
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Briarcrest’s Parker Pounds (2) shoots the ball during the DII-AA state quarterfinal against Baylor in Eads, Tenn., on February 28, 2026. Briarcrest defeated Baylor 55-53.
But Maker would potentially be a major get in that regard, although sources indicate the Tigers are still evaluating other targets as well. The former 5-star has spent parts of the past five years playing professionally. Maker originally signed with Howard in 2020 and played just two games for the Bison before suffering a season-ending injury.
Since then, the Kenya-born Maker has spent time in the G League, as well as overseas — Australia (he grew up in Perth), China, Saudi Arabia, and most recently Taiwan. In 11 games during the 2025-26 season, Maker has averaged 26.2 points and 9.8 rebounds for Taipei Taishin Mars.
Souare is a 6-9, fourth-year junior from Conakry, Guinea. He began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech, where he spent two seasons. In 29 games (8.2 minutes per game, no starts) at Syracuse last season, he averaged 0.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He also blocked 18 shots.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Makur Maker, Ibrahim Souare taking visits with Memphis basketball