After a “difficult” and ultimately strange offseason for the Alabama men’s basketball-Jahvon Quinerly pairing, the former starting guard announced he’ll spend his final year of eligibility at Memphis.

On Thursday night, Quinerly announced on social media that his “last ride” will be with head coach Penny Hardaway. After testing NBA Draft waters, Quinerly decided to return to college basketball. Nate Oats anticipated Quinerly’s return when speaking at the SEC spring meetings. But less than a month later, Quinerly entered the transfer portal.

The guard was a two-time SEC tournament most valuable player, leading the Tide to two automatic qualifiers. Quinerly spent four seasons with the Crimson Tide, developing a penchant for clutch play and averaging 8.8 points a game in his final campaign.

His playing time diminished as he returned from an ACL tear. But by the postseason, Quinerly earned his way into the starting lineup. Quinerly figured to be a rotational piece next fall as Alabma tries to match its Sweet 16 run.

Alabama will have its other starting guard, Mark Sears, returning. Oats will also welcome Aaron Estrada and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. via the transfer portal.

The NCAA suspended Hardaway for a pair of “impermissible” at-home visits with a recruit. Memphis will be without its head coach for three games.

Alabama men’s basketball adds transfer in West Virginia big Mohamed Wague

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].