Chandler Lawson: From Memphis Tiger to Arkansas Razorback – Revisiting an Old Classic Matchup
This Thanksgiving Day, the Battle 4 Atlantis will bring back an old classic: a fierce contest between the Memphis Tigers and the Arkansas Razorbacks. The game promises an intriguing subplot, as former Memphis Tiger Chandler Lawson will now be facing his former team as a Razorback.
Chandler Lawson, a 6-7 forward who weighed in at 215 pounds at the start of this season, is a seasoned player with a rich history in the sport. A four-time high school champion who has played in three NCAA Tournaments, Lawson began his collegiate career at Oregon before returning home to represent the Memphis Tigers. Now as a graduate senior, he has played 111 career games, started in 44, and scored 483 points with 398 rebounds.
During his time at Memphis, Lawson made significant contributions to the team. In the 2022-23 season, he was one of only three Tigers to play all 35 games, averaging 5.0 points and 4.5 boards. He shot an impressive 56.7 percent overall, the third-highest clip on the Tigers, and went 7-of-14 from long distance. Lawson proved to be a valuable player, reaching double figures three times, including a season-high 12 points against SMU.
However, Lawson’s career at Memphis was not without obstacles. In the 2021-22 season, he was hampered by an injury that saw him miss 12 games. Despite this setback, he still managed to make a significant contribution when he was on the court, showcasing his ability to rebound and block effectively.
After graduating from Memphis in 2023 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Lawson moved to Fayetteville to join the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he is pursuing a second undergraduate degree in Arts and sciences.
Lawson’s transition to the Razorbacks has been nothing short of impressive. This season, he has already made a significant impact with his length and play. Lawson has started three of the five games and has a shooting record of 70% from the field. He’s also been perfect from beyond the arc and has been solid from the free-throw line. In his 70 minutes on the court, he has managed to grab 21 rebounds, with an average of 4.2 per game.
Lawson’s performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. After the Purdue exhibition game this season, the Razorbacks head coach, Eric Musselman, commended him as the “most coachable player he had ever been around”. These words are a testament to Lawson’s skills on the court and his ability to adapt, learn, and grow in a new environment.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, the spotlight will inevitably be on Chandler Lawson. The anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling contest between the Tigers and the Razorbacks. And for Lawson, it’s not just about winning the game; it’s about proving that he made the right decision in moving from Memphis to Arkansas. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Lawson’s journey from Tiger to Razorback adds an intriguing layer to this classic matchup.
