MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One of his Memphis' native sons said his final goodbyes, Wednesday. Malcolm Dandridge will enter his name in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Dandridge, who played his high school basketball at East High under Penny Hardaway, played five years for the Tigers. The center was a force in the post and fan favorite over his tenure.
Dandridge averaged five points and 3.4 rebounds over his career as a Tiger. In his fifth and final season, he put up a career high 8 points, 5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
The Memphian had exhausted his college eligibility and was not expected to return to the Memphis Tigers.
"I just want to thank God for putting me in this position! To have been able to stay and play in my city where the love and support the city's team is unmatched was always a childhood dream of mine. I appreciate every coach, fan and supporter that has been on his journey with me as I have grown as a player, but more importantly as a person," Dandridge said in a statement. "Lastly, thank you to coach Penny (Hardaway) for the guidance and knowledge that I have gained from him through his mentorship."
During his tenure, the Tigers went to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons, won the program's first American Athletic Conference championship and won the National Invitation Tournament.
At East High School, he won championships under Hardaway in 2017 and 2018. He became the first commitment to Hardaway after the Tigers legend took over as head coach in 2018.