Jonathan Pierre, Division II star, announces commitment to Memphis basketball

Jonathan Pierre, who led Nova Southeastern (Florida) to the Division II national championship this season, has given his commitment to Memphis basketball.

Pierre, who took an official visit with the Tigers Saturday, made the announcement Sunday. The 6-foot-9 wing becomes the second transfer coach Penny Hardaway has landed in the last 48 hours. On Friday, Florida State graduate transfer guard Caleb Mills gave Hardaway his pledge. The first incoming transfer to come aboard was former Temple forward Nick Jourdain.

Pierre told The Commercial Appeal that Hardaway called him personally the day after he entered the transfer portal, and he did not know who it was until he answered.

"He said, 'Do you know who this is?' " Pierre said. "I was like, 'Whoa, this is big-time.' It was a very special moment, realizing I was talking to an NBA legend, a do-it-all guard like me.”

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Pierre helped lead Nova Southeastern to a 36-0 record, just the sixth undefeated finish in Division II history. Following his breakout sophomore season, where averaged 14.5 points and 3.4 assists a game, Pierre − whose only offer coming out of Hallandale Magnet (Florida) was Nova Southeastern − said he drew interest from more than 120 Division I programs almost immediately. By Thursday, Pierre had already conducted virtual meetings with Memphis, Oklahoma, the College of Charleston and LSU. Duke and Auburn were on his radar, while Baylor and South Carolina were among the other schools Pierre was also considering seriously.

But Pierre did not take a single visit to any other school. Memphis' pitch was strong and his official visit sealed the deal for him. During his day-and-a-half trip, he toured campus, spent time at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center, posted an Instagram story from FedExForum and ate a couple of meals at Penny's Nitty Gritty, where "my taste buds were like, 'ooph.' "

“From Memphis to the fans, the people, the environment – I knew, right then, in my heart, it was the place for me,” he said.

The pickup of Pierre, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, gives the Tigers a player who was an efficient scorer (40.5% from 3-point range, 50.5% overall). In addition to his catch-and-shoot ability, he can also create his own shot off the dribble and break defenders down before slashing to the rim. Pierre also averaged 5.2 rebounds in 33 games and just 21 starts.

Memphis needs an infusion of punch on offense following the losses of leading scorers Kendric Davis and DeAndre Williams, as well as the departure of 3-point shooting specialist Keonte Kennedy. Mills has a proven track record of production, scoring 12.8 points per game over three-plus seasons at Houston and Florida State. The Tigers have also signed incoming freshmen guards Mikey Williams and Carl Cherenfant, along with 4-star wings JJ Taylor and Ashton Hardaway. And the team is set to welcome back guards Jayden Hardaway and Johnthan Lawson, along with forward Chandler Lawson.

But Pierre, like Williams, brings a blend of size and multi-level scoring ability that can help give the new-look Tigers a dynamic offensive attack.

“They want me to play fast and let me showcase my whole game,” said Pierre. “The way that I play, being a big guard: rebounding, pushing the ball, shooting at a 40% clip (from 3). All they ask for is hard work, good decisions on and off the court and to run through a wall for them when needed.”

The Tigers currently have at least three open scholarships remaining. Four-star point guard Ty-Laur Johnson and 3-star combo guard Ryan Forrest are committed to Memphis but have not yet formally signed. The regular signing period opens Wednesday.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: Jonathan Pierre announces transfer to Tigers