Making sense of Penny Hardaway's Memphis basketball roster after wild offseason

Memphis basketball's dizzying offseason has finally come to an end.

The gap, if one can call it that, between the Tigers' second-round NCAA Tournament exit and Wednesday's start of team practices was bridged by comings (highlighted by point guard Kendric Davis), goings (nine to be exact, not even counting members of the coaching staff), and a blend of both (who can forget Emmanuel Akot, the once-and-never Tiger?). There were hits (keeping DeAndre Williams and Alex Lomax) and misses (Jamarion Sharp and Caleb Murphy). Flips (Keontè Kennedy) and flirts (Emoni Bates).

But that's all over and done with. Now that the dust is (mostly) settled, here is a rundown of Penny Hardaway's 2022-23 Memphis basketball roster.

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Chandler Lawson

Looking back: The Memphis native was hampered in 2021-22 (his first season with the Tigers) by an ankle injury that initially sidelined him for 12 games. Even when he returned, the ankle wasn't completely healed and he finished the season with the fewest minutes per game on the team (8.2).

Looking ahead: Entering his fourth season at the Division I level, Lawson will be a key piece of the Tigers' frontcourt rotation. His versatility and veteran experience make him a valuable asset. Lawson was 9-of-17 inside the arc last season and was the second-most efficient rebounder (one every 3.7 minutes) on the team. Former Tiger Jalen Duren had one board every 3.1 minutes.

Johnathan Lawson

Looking back: Given the Tigers' strong backcourt depth, the younger Lawson took a non-medical redshirt last season.

Looking ahead: In the wake of Akot's departure, the big guard (6-foot-7) is in line to earn an opportunity to contribute significant minutes. Outside of Williams, Lawson might be the only player with the length and two-way skills akin to what Akot would have provided.

Alex Lomax

Looking back: Dealing with a bothersome ankle much of last season, the hometown point guard had difficulty finding a groove. The turnovers (69) piled up and his turnover rate (31.1%) was the worst in the American Athletic Conference. He mitigated those issues with an assist rate (25.4%) that ranked in the top 160 in the country and 1.7 steals per game, which ranked fourth in the AAC.

Looking ahead: With Davis in the mix now, Lomax's role will change. Early indications are he will spend some time at point and off the ball. It should take some of the pressure off his shoulders and maximize his strengths.

DeAndre Williams

Looking back: His third season of action at the DI level was productive. Despite missing several games with a bad back, Williams was a second-team all-AAC honoree and made the all-AAC Tournament team, averaging 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Looking ahead: The slimmed-down Williams hopes to stay as productive as he's been the past two seasons as Memphis' top forward. The Tigers will need it, too.

Malcolm Dandridge

Looking back: The big man's time with the Tigers can be summed up with one word: inconsistent. Dandridge has some really nice tape. But, when taking it all into account, he's been spotty. Some of that can be attributed to knee issues that have plagued him since he stepped onto campus.

Looking ahead: Last season was his best pretty much across the board. But Memphis needs him to take an even bigger step up in 2022-23. The team is a bit thin at center. Dandridge says he's healthier than he's been since his days at East. That's a big step in the right direction for the fourth-year Tiger.

Jayden Hardaway

Looking back: The shooting guard and coach's son gave Memphis good minutes off the bench last season, hitting the occasional 3-pointer and finishing with a nice percentage from deep (46.2%), even if it came in limited opportunities (26 attempts).

Looking ahead: By all accounts, Hardaway has enjoyed a nice offseason. He's gotten healthy, gotten stronger and gained confidence in his abilities beyond the arc. Because of that, he could wind up being an integral piece off the bench.

Kao Akobundu-Ehiogu

Looking back: In two seasons at UT-Arlington, the 6-10 center established himself as one of the top shot-blockers in the country. He comes into his third DI season fifth among all active players with 2.9 blocks per game.

Looking ahead: The Tigers are high on Akobundu-Ehiogu's athleticism and defensive ability. Whether he will be able to score enough will dictate how much playing time he gets.

Kendric Davis

Looking back: In three seasons at SMU, Davis established himself as one of the premier point guards in the country. After claiming AAC Player of the Year honors, he hit the open market and became the top overall transfer, according to ESPN and other national outlets.

Looking ahead: The shifty 6-0 point guard's move to Memphis instantly kept the Tigers in the contender conversation in the AAC. He could play a little more off the ball than he's accustomed to, thanks to Lomax's presence, allowing the team to take advantage of his 3-point shooting ability. Wherever he lines up, the team will go as he goes.

Damaria Franklin

Looking back: An all-conference selection last season at Illinois-Chicago, Franklin averaged 17.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game playing at both guard spots.

Looking ahead: Since the 6-3 Franklin has already used his free transfer, the NCAA will have to grant his waiver request if he's going to play this season. If that happens, he makes Memphis that much more dynamic on both ends of the floor.

Ian Granja

Looking back: Originally from Spain, the 6-7 forward played last season at Get Better Academy in the Czech Republic.

Looking ahead: The team's lone true freshman's biggest strength is his shooting ability. But Granja may find minutes few and far between if that's all he can do.

Keonté Kennedy

Looking back: In two seasons at UTEP, the 6-5 guard averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game. He initially transferred to Vanderbilt after last season before flipping to Memphis.

Looking ahead: Kennedy has a high motor and is comfortable at guard or wing. He will likely start from Day 1.

Elijah McCadden

Looking back: The reigning Sun Belt Sixth Man of the Year, the 6-4 guard scored more than 1,000 points in 115 games (70 starts) in his Georgia Southern career.

Looking ahead: Whether he starts or comes off the bench, McCadden's experience and explosiveness will make him a key part of the team.

Jahmar Young Jr.

Looking back: The 6-9 big man didn't get much playing time in his four seasons at SMU and has modest career stats as a result.

Looking ahead: A late transfer, Young won't be eligible until mid-December at the earliest for academic reasons. Once he gets on the court, he could be an insurance boost at center.

Walk-ons

Conor Glennon (third-year guard), Tadarius Jacobs (second-year guard) and James DeJesus (third-year transfer guard)

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

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: Breaking down Penny Hardaway's new-look roster