Memphis basketball center Dain Dainja is still waiting for the NCAA to rule on his waiver request.

In the meantime, the unanimous first-team all-AAC selection is working his way around the NBA, working out privately for more than a dozen franchises. Most recently, the Grizzlies brought Dainja back to Memphis for a workout on June 11, a source told the Commercial Appeal. The source requested anonymity because no announcement of the workout was made public.

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The source added Dainja has also worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors. Dainja has a workout scheduled with the Indiana Pacers June 12, according to the source.

Since Dainja is currently out of collegiate eligibility, he is free to work out for NBA teams. But, if the NCAA grants his request for an extra season of eligibility, Dainja is expected to return to the Tigers in 2025-26.

The 6-foot-9 Dainja averaged 15.0 points and 7.7 rebounds a game at Memphis in 2024-25, earning AAC Newcomer of the Year honors. He played two seasons at Illinois before transferring to the Tigers. Before that, he played three games at Baylor (2021-22) before deciding to move on to Illinois midseason.

Dainja blossomed at Memphis, helping power the Tigers to its first regular-season AAC championship and the AAC tournament title. Having him back for another season would provide a major boost for coach Penny Hardaway’s rebuilt roster − which currently features just one player taller than 6-8.

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“You only got to hope that they see it for what it’s worth,” Hardaway said April 22. “With so many guys around the country getting six, seven, eight years – I don’t know how they decide those things. You hope they show favor to Dain and he’s allowed to come back.”

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball star Dain Dainja works out for Grizzlies | Source