Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
PJ Haggerty
Position: Guard
College: Memphis
Class: Sophomore
Height/Weight: 6'3", 191 lbs
Birthdate: April 13, 2004
Previous Colleges: Tulsa, TCU
High School: Crosby (TX)
Player Overview
PJ Haggerty is a microwave scorer who lets the flow of the game dictate his offense. He thrives as a three-level scorer, using a combination of speed, shot-making ability, and craftiness to put points on the board. His ability to get to the free-throw line consistently is a major strength, as he draws contact well and converts at a high rate. In transition, Haggerty can operate as both a speedster and a physical driver, capable of finishing through contact.
Defensively, he uses his length and activity to force turnovers, averaging just under two steals per game. He plays with good energy and applies pressure on the ball, though he can gamble on steals at times. While he is engaged defensively, his true position at the next level remains a question, as he’s not a pure lead guard and lacks elite size for an off-guard role.
Haggerty’s decision-making and shot selection will be areas to monitor, especially when he gets into a rhythm and takes heat-check shots. Additionally, improving his facilitating skills and ability to protect the ball will help his long-term development as an NBA prospect.
"Haggerty can score in bunches, and I’m impressed with his improved efficiency as an outside shooter. He has the potential to develop into an effective scoring guard that can contribute at the next level." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Scoring Versatility: A three-level scorer who can create offense in multiple ways.
Transition Threat: Can be a one-man fast break, attacking in transition with speed and physicality.
Free-Throw Generator: Draws fouls at a high rate and converts efficiently at the line.
Defensive Activity: Uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers.
Rebounding Guard: Crashes the glass well for his position, creating extra possessions.
Concerns
Decision-Making & Shot Selection: Can force low-percentage shots when feeling confident.
Facilitating & Playmaking: Needs to show he can run an offense consistently.
Defensive Gambling: At times, takes unnecessary risks that lead to breakdowns.
Positional Fit: Not a true lead guard, but lacks prototypical size for a full-time off-guard.
Questions
Can he develop into a more reliable playmaker and facilitator?
Will his scoring efficiency translate against taller and more physical defenders?
Without elite athleticism, can he carve out a role as an impact player in the NBA?
Bottom Line
PJ Haggerty is an offensive-minded guard with a natural ability to score and create offense in multiple ways. His ability to draw fouls, finish in transition, and disrupt passing lanes defensively gives him an intriguing NBA upside. However, his true role at the next level remains a question, and improving as a facilitator and decision-maker will be key to his long-term success.