Tigers add JUCO standout Ahmad Rand

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ahmad Rand, a 6-foot-8 forward from USC Salkehatchie, signed a National Letter of Intent Thursday to play for the University of Memphis men's basketball team.

Rand becomes the first signee for the 2020 recruiting class. He is ranked the No. 11 junior college player in the nation by 247Sports and No. 41 by jucorecruiting.com.

"Ahmad is a great addition to our team," said Tigers coach Penny Hardaway. "He is the ultimate defender, shot blocker and rim protector. He's all energy!"

Rand was a defensive standout for USC Salkehatchie, located in Allendale, S.C. He led the NJCAA in blocks the past two seasons, including an average of five blocks per game last season as a sophomore.

An outstanding leaper, Rand averaged 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds last season and helped lead USC Salkehatchie to a 27-4 record.

As a freshman, he averaged 9.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.3 blocks.

The numbers were more impressive at Lincoln County High in Georgia. As a senior in 2017-18, Rand averaged a double-double of 15.2 points and 15.1 rebounds, in addition to averaging 7.8 blocks.

The Tigers finished 21-10 last season in Hardaway's second season at the UofM. Forward Isaiah Maurice was the lone senior on last year's team.

University of Memphis Athletics

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