In a major recruiting shakeup, the Memphis Tigers have landed a massive commitment from five-star forward Malik Reynolds, a top Kansas target who has officially flipped to Penny Hardaway’s program. Reynolds, a 6-foot-8 standout from Dallas, Texas, announced his decision Friday evening, citing a strong connection with the Memphis coaching staff and a belief in the Tigers’ long-term vision.
Reynolds was previously committed to Kansas, giving Bill Self and the Jayhawks what appeared to be another elite piece in their nationally ranked 2025 recruiting class. But after taking a second official visit to Memphis earlier this spring and staying in close contact with Hardaway and his staff, Reynolds began to reconsider his options.
“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make,” Reynolds said in his commitment post. “Kansas is a great program, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity, but I feel like Memphis is where I truly belong. Coach Penny believes in me, and I want to be a part of what he’s building.”
Reynolds is ranked as one of the top 15 players nationally and the No. 3 power forward in the 2025 class. Known for his explosive athleticism, two-way versatility, and elite finishing ability, he brings a high ceiling and immediate impact potential to a Memphis team looking to reestablish itself among college basketball’s elite.
Penny Hardaway has made it a priority to recruit at the highest level, and flipping Reynolds from a blue-blood like Kansas is a clear statement of intent. The Tigers now have a potential one-and-done player in Reynolds who could become the face of their 2025 class.
“Malik Reynolds is a game-changer,” said one national recruiting analyst. “He’s got NBA tools, a relentless motor, and he plays with the kind of energy that coaches dream about. This is the type of player Memphis fans will love.”
Reynolds’ decision also comes at a time when Memphis is aggressively reloading its roster through high school recruiting and the transfer portal. Adding a five-star like Reynolds only boosts the Tigers’ national profile and sends a clear message to other top-tier recruits.
Penny Hardaway praised the move, calling Reynolds “a future star who fits the DNA of Memphis basketball.”
“Malik is a winner, plain and simple,” Hardaway said. “He’s hungry, he’s humble, and he’s going to make everyone around him better. We’re proud to welcome him to the family.”
With Reynolds now on board, Memphis may have pulled off one of the biggest flips of the 2025 recruiting cycle—and the Tigers might not be done yet.