Memphis Lands Transfer Guard Luke Almodovar as Penny Hardaway Reloads Roster

The Memphis Tigers continue to show commitment to head coach Penny Hardaway despite a challenging 2025–26 campaign, strengthening their roster through the College Basketball Transfer Portal as the program looks to rebound quickly. Hardaway, a former NBA star, remains at the center of Memphis’ efforts to rebuild competitiveness in the American Athletic Conference.

On Monday, the Tigers secured a key addition in guard Luke Almodovar, who is transferring from Southeast Missouri State. The move, first reported by 247Sports, gives Memphis an experienced scorer who brings proven offensive production from the Ohio Valley Conference.

Almodovar arrives in Memphis after a productive junior season, where he emerged as one of his team’s primary scoring options. His ability to create offense both from deep and off the dribble is expected to address a key need for the Tigers heading into the new season.

The addition reflects Memphis’ broader offseason strategy of adding experienced transfers while continuing to support Hardaway’s long-term vision for the program.

1. Proven Scorer Joins From Southeast Missouri State

Almodovar leaves Southeast Missouri State after a strong individual campaign in which he averaged 14.1 points per game. His offensive output was a steady presence for the Redhawks throughout the season. A consistent perimeter threat, he also averaged two made three-pointers per game, stretching defenses and providing spacing for his teammates. His scoring versatility made him one of the more productive guards in the OVC. He recorded seven games with at least 20 points, including a standout 29-point performance against Cal Poly in November, highlighting his ability to take over games offensively. Although his final outing in the OVC Tournament ended with 13 points, his season-long consistency helped raise his profile as a transfer portal target.

2. Development Path Leads to AAC Opportunity

Almodovar played his junior season as a key starter, appearing in 33 games and starting 23 of them. His role expanded significantly compared to earlier in his college career. In addition to scoring, he contributed 3.7 rebounds per game, showing a willingness to compete on the glass despite his guard position. His all-around effort added value beyond scoring. Originally from Noblesville, Indiana, Almodovar developed into a reliable mid-major contributor before attracting interest from higher-profile programs in the transfer portal. Memphis represents a step up in competition as he transitions into the American Athletic Conference, where expectations and exposure will increase significantly.

3. Hardaway and Memphis Continue Roster Reshaping

The Tigers enter this new phase of roster construction following a 13–19 season that included struggles on the road and early postseason elimination. Memphis finished 3–10 away from home and exited the AAC Tournament after a loss to Tulane. Hardaway’s position has remained under scrutiny, but the program has continued to support him while aggressively pursuing roster upgrades through recruiting and the transfer portal. In addition to Almodovar, Memphis has added multiple four-star talents, including forward Fred Smith Jr., who signed earlier in April, as well as guards Brandin Cummings from Pittsburgh and Rihards Vavers from Washington State. These additions reflect a clear push toward immediate improvement, as Memphis looks to re-establish itself as a contender in conference play and restore momentum under Hardaway’s leadership.