By ADAM ZAGORIA
When new Memphis coach Penny Hardaway postponed his in-home visit on Sunday with Class of 2019 stars Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis, it appeared something was afoot.
As it turned out, Hardaway had more pressing business on campus, where he and his staff landed two key recruits in the form of guard Antwann Jones and big man Isaiah Maurice, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
The 6-foot-6 Jones out of Orlando (FL) Oak Ridge committed to Memphis after obtaining his release from Texas A&M. He is ranked the No. 18 shooting guard nationally by 247Sports.com.
Proud To Announce That I Will Be Attending The University Of Memphis ?? #GoTigers #1Cent #FutureIsBright pic.twitter.com/I7Him5ugAA
— Antwann Jones (@j5_twann) April 16, 2018
Maurice, a 6-10 forward from South Plains (Texas) Junior College, also committed during his visit to campus. He averaged 12.9 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 48.5 percent from 3-point range at South Plains, which won the NJCAA national championship.
“I feel like I am versatile for my size,” Maurice told ZAGSBLOG. “I’m able to score from different areas on the floor with my size. With everything I can learn from Coach Penny and the rest of the staff is definitely what I need to get to the next level. Also, the city of Memphis is a great place to play basketball as well as grow more as a person.”
“Isaiah is 6-10 and very skilled,” South Plains assistant Matt Williams said. “He is really good in the post and can score with either hand. He definitely has the ability to step out to the 3-point line and make open shots. He is a good athlete and can run the floor in transition and get some easy baskets.”
The two players join point guards Alex Lomax and Tyler Harris and shooting guard Jayden Hardaway, Penny’s son, in Memphis’ 2018 class.
A makeup date for the meeting with Antoine and Lewis has not been set.
Meantime, Hardaway is also slated to meet with Class of 2019 stars Matthew Hurt and Trendon Watford (Wednesday) this week.
