Memphis Tiger basketball just landed 4-star Briarcrest forward Fred Smith Jr.
He considered schools including Saint Louis, Ole Miss, and Missouri before deciding on Memphis at the school’s ceremonies.
Smith Jr. participated in four consecutive state championship games, winning the trophy in 2024 and 2026 but losing in 2023 and 2025.
At 6-foot-7, 220-pounds, he shot over 60% from the floor this past season, averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists per game.
In the state championship victory over Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School, he also finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
He joins a fresh Memphis program under head coach Penny Hardaway who hired a new associate head coach, Tony Madlock, along with assistants Sean Mock and Trevor DeLoach following a disappointing 13-19 record.
BREAKING: Memphis lands a commitment from Briacrest HS 2026 4⭐️ wing/F Fred Smith Jr.
Fred joins fellow 4⭐️ Cello Jackson as the two Memphis commits in the 2026 class.
Smith Jr. is an interesting scout. Has good handle + ball skills at his size, but lacks lateral quickness and… https://t.co/cP9VVF1iiI pic.twitter.com/eaMjYznX5s
— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) April 9, 2026
