Memphis Basketball Lands Sharpshooter Rihards Vavers in First Portal Addition
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway has officially secured his first transfer of the offseason. The Tigers have landed 6-foot-7 wing Rihards Vavers, a standout shooter from Washington State who brings immediate perimeter scoring to a roster currently undergoing a significant reconstruction.
A Top-Tier Perimeter Threat
Vavers arrives in Memphis as one of the most efficient shooters in the country. During the 2025-26 season, he ranked as a top-30 three-point shooter in Division I.
The native of Adaži, Latvia, demonstrated consistent growth throughout his collegiate career. After starting at Quinnipiac, where he averaged 7.9 points per game as a freshman, Vavers moved to Washington State. In his junior campaign, he averaged 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game across 29 appearances, including 16 starts.
Key Shooting Statistics
- Junior Season: Shot 41.2% from 3-point range on 177 attempts.
- Early WSU Impact: Shot 47.9% from beyond the arc in his first season with the Cougars.
- Peak Performance: Scored a season-high 25 points in the Maui Invitational against Chaminade, hitting seven 3-pointers.
Building the 2026-27 Roster
The addition of Vavers is the first step in Hardaway’s effort to rebound from a challenging 13-19 season. With the college basketball roster limit set at 15, the Tigers have currently filled five of those spots for the upcoming season.
Returning Players and Latest Recruits
Vavers joins a core group of returning talent and high-profile high school commitments:
- Julius Thedford: A junior guard expected to return to the lineup.
- William Whorton: A junior forward returning for the next season.
- Fred Smith Jr.: A 6-foot-7 four-star forward recruit.
- Cello Jackson Jr.: A 6-foot-4 four-star guard recruit.
The roster remains fluid as the April 21 deadline for portal entry approaches. Notably, senior 7-foot-1 forward Aaron Bradshaw has not yet publicly stated whether he will return to Memphis or enter the transfer portal.
Key Takeaways
- Player: Rihards Vavers (6’7″ Forward)
- Previous School: Washington State (via Quinnipiac)
- Primary Strength: Elite 3-point shooting (Top 30 nationally in 2025-26)
- Eligibility: Enters the 2026-27 season with one year of eligibility remaining
FAQ
Where is Rihards Vavers from?
Vavers is originally from Adaži, Latvia and played high school basketball at Archbishop Carroll in Washington, D.C.
How many roster spots has Memphis filled?
Including Vavers, returning players Thedford and Whorton, and recruits Smith Jr. And Jackson, the Tigers have filled five of their 15 allotted roster spots.
What was Vavers’ production at Washington State?
As a junior, he averaged 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, featuring a stretch of 11 consecutive double-digit scoring outings over his final 12 games.
With a proven sharpshooter now in the fold, Penny Hardaway has established a foundation of perimeter scoring as he continues to navigate the transfer portal and recruiting trail to revitalize the Memphis program.