Memphis basketball has signed NC State transfer Jerry Deng for the 2026-27 season. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in his previous season.
Key points
Jerry Deng transfers from NC State to Memphis basketball
He averaged 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds last season
Deng is 6-foot-9 and played in eight games at NC State
Memphis roster includes several other transfers and returning players
Coach Penny Hardaway will lead the team in 2026-27
Mentioned in this story
Memphis basketballNC StatePenny Hardaway
Jerry Deng
Memphis basketball adds NC State transfer Jerry Deng
The 6-foot-9 forward played in only eight games and taking a redshirt season with former coach Will Wade, averaging 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds, while playing 12.8 minutes per game.
Deng joins a roster that is expected to include transfers Brandin "Beebah" Cummings (junior guard, Pitt transfer), Rihards Vavers (senior wing, Washington State transfer), returners Julius Thedford (junior guard) and William Whorton (junior forward), as well as incoming freshmen Fred Smith Jr., Cello Jackson Jr., and Parker Pounds.
Cummings and Vavers joined Memphis on April 15.
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
Q&A
Who is Jerry Deng and what are his stats from NC State?
Jerry Deng is a 6-foot-9 forward who averaged 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in eight games at NC State.
What team will Jerry Deng play for in the 2026-27 season?
Jerry Deng will play for Memphis basketball under coach Penny Hardaway in the 2026-27 season.
What other players are joining Memphis basketball alongside Jerry Deng?
Other players joining Memphis include Brandin Cummings, Rihards Vavers, and incoming freshmen Fred Smith Jr., Cello Jackson Jr., and Parker Pounds.
What was Jerry Deng's previous experience before transferring to Memphis?
Before transferring to Memphis, Jerry Deng took a redshirt season at NC State, playing under former coach Will Wade.
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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 basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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 basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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 basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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 basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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 roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
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.
A native of Norcross, Georgia, and a career 37.2% 3-point shooter on 263 attempts, Deng will play for his fourth school in four seasons, but he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. He began his collegiate career at Hampton, then spent a season at Florida State.
In 2024-25 with the Seminoles, Deng appeared in 31 games, making two starts, and averaged 7.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He also shot 37% from the 3-point range, finishing second on the team with 44 from beyond the arc. He scored his season-high 16 points against North Carolina.
As a freshman at Hampton, Deng scored 10.1 points and grabbed 4.2 rebounds a game, while shooting 39.1% beyond the arc.
Last season, after Deng missed more than a month of playing time, Wade announced the decision was made to shut him down for the rest of the season and pursue a redshirt. Wade cited "some off the court things" and "some medical things" as reasons for the move.
