In an unexpected turn of events, Jahvon Quinerly, the former Memphis Tigers star, has decided to retire from basketball. The announcement, made via social media on Friday, marks the end of his brief but impactful college career. Quinerly, who played one season with the University of Memphis, averaged 13.5 points and 4.9 assists per game during the 2023-24 season.
“I have decided to step away from basketball,” Quinerly wrote on Instagram. “Basketball has shaped who I am in so many ways since I can remember. It has opened countless doors for me, and for that, I will be forever grateful. But God has chosen a different path for me.”
Career Highlights and Challenges
Quinerly’s journey in college basketball spanned five years. A Hackensack, New Jersey native, he was a five-star recruit in the class of 2018. He initially attended Villanova University before transferring to the University of Alabama. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Quinerly missed the 2019-20 season but quickly became a standout player for Alabama under coach Nate Oats.
He helped lead the Crimson Tide to Sweet 16 appearances in 2021 and 2023. Despite a torn ACL during the 2022 NCAA Tournament, Quinerly averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 assists during his three years at Alabama.
Memphis Season and Retirement Decision
Quinerly’s lone season with Memphis under coach Penny Hardaway was challenging. He faced inconsistent performances and criticism from fans and media. These factors contributed to his decision to retire.
“While I’ve achieved some incredible accomplishments, gained invaluable experiences, and formed lifelong friendships, I’ve also faced some of the lowest points in my life,” Quinerly said. “As painful as it is to write these words, I can no longer fight for something I no longer love.”
Memphis started strong last season with a 15-2 record and a 10th-place ranking in the AP Top 25 as of January 10. However, the team faltered in the latter part of the season, winning just seven of their final 15 games and finishing fifth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). In his final career game, Quinerly struggled, shooting 3-for-15 from the field, scoring eight points, and adding three assists in an AAC Tournament upset by Wichita State.
Looking Ahead
Quinerly concluded his announcement with reflections on his career and future plans. “For most, I’ll forever be remembered as a failure. But despite how it may seem in the basketball world, they say life’s greatest successes often come from the toughest setbacks. I’m fortunate to have earned seven figures in NIL during my college career, and I’m eager to use that head start to explore what this incredible world has to offer beyond basketball,” he stated.
“I apologize to those I’ve let down and will always be grateful to those who believed in me. But I’m now on a different path, one that should bring me happiness and allow me to love myself once again.”
Jahvon Quinerly’s retirement marks the end of a tumultuous basketball journey and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
