Tigers ink Frierson, Jefferson for 2021-22

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Tigers head coach Katrina Merriweather has announced the additions of Tyler Frierson (C, 6-4, Wright State University) and Emani Jefferson (G, 5-6, Wright State University) to the roster for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

Frierson, a senior, and Jefferson, a freshman, arrive in Memphis from Wright State University, where they excelled under Merriweather's tutelage and were key contributors on the Raiders' NCAA Tournament team last season. The Raiders went 19-8 in 2020-21, were Horizon League regular-season co-champions and won the Horizon League Tournament. Wright State upset fourth-seeded Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to become the first No. 13 seed to defeat a No. 4 seed since 2012.

With the NCAA Division I Council approving a one-time transfer waiver, Frierson and Jefferson will be eligible to play immediately next season.

Tyler Frierson
Frierson brings a wealth of experience to Memphis, having played in 122 games in four seasons at Wright State. She started all 27 games for the Raiders in 2020-21, averaging 8.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, and she was named to the All-Horizon League Third Team and her second-straight conference All-Defensive Team. Frierson had eight double-digit scoring outings, eight games with 10-plus rebounds and four double-doubles.

Frierson, who hails from Long Beach, Calif., is averaging 6.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and nearly one block per game in her collegiate career. She is shooting 55.3 percent from the floor (311-562) and is 243 points from 1,000 for her career.

"Tyler was an integral part in our success at Wright State," Merriweather said. "She brings a winning mentality, and she has complete understanding of the '5-spot' offensively and defensively. She is a great culture player, as she knows what it takes to be successful, and possesses strong leadership ability. She will bring added height and rebounding and most importantly, experience.

"She was a part of my first recruiting class as a head coach, and I am excited to have her here during my first year in Memphis."

Emani Jefferson
Jefferson was the only true freshman to see action in all 27 games for Wright State in 2020-21, and she finished second on the team in scoring at 8.3 points per game. She averaged 22.8 minutes per game and also added 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, and she shot 45.8 percent from the field (71-55). Jefferson was a member of the Horizon League All-Freshman Team and was a two-time Horizon League Freshman of the Week.

Before arriving at Wright State last season, Jefferson was a three-time Charlotte Sun Player of the Year at North Port High School in North Port, Fla. She is the school's all-time leading scorer.

"Emani is a true competitor," Merriweather said. "She brings tenacious defense, toughness and depth to our point guard position. She is extremely athletic and explosive. She does a great job of getting to the rim and creating easy plays for her teammates.

"Emani is very talented and will make an immediate impact on our team and in the league. I am happy to have her bring her championship experience to Memphis."

University of Memphis Athletics

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