MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis Tigers (7-2) basketball team picked up a big midseason acquisition Tuesday. Kansas State transfer Nae'Qwan Tomlin signed with the Tigers officially after announcing his commitment on Instagram last week.
After entering the transfer portal in early December, Tomlin was quickly snatched up by Penny Hardaway and the Tigers.
Tomlin is recently walked at commencement, but the Tigers said he is still awaiting confirmation of his graduation from Kansas State. The U of M said he has "officially joined the team and can practice" before competing with the team in 2023-2024.
The 6'10" forward originally from New York averaged 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 36 games for the Wildcats in 2022.
Tomlin was seen at the Memphis Grizzlies basketball game Dec. 11 with members of the Tigers coaching staff including Hardaway and assistant coach Rick Stansbury.
Tomlin was suspended from the Kansas State program in late October after a bar altercation in Manhattan, Kansas, according to the The Topeka Capital-Journal. Tomlin was arrested for "disorderly conduct; brawling or fighting." He was reportedly granted diversion in the case.
He was dismissed from the Kansas State program on December 6.
As part of a statement Kansas State Athletic Director, Gene Taylor, said "While we cannot share the specifics that have led to this outcome due to the reasons stated above, K-State Athletics can now share that Nae’Qwan Tomlin will no longer be able to continue with the K-State men’s basketball team. This decision was not made lightly by me, but it is the decision warranted by the circumstances that brought it to bear.”
The Tigers will likely use the scholarship spot that had previously been reserved for DeAndre Williams had the NCAA granted his eligibility waiver. There is speculation that senior transfer Jordan Brown, who has missed two games with illness, may leave the program as well. The program said Brown's status with the team has not changed.