Memphis assistant coach Keelon Lawson is being retained by Tubby Smith, but in a different capacity.
Lawson confirmed to Gary Parrish of CBS Sports on Monday that he has accepted a support role. The news in itself isn't that groundbreaking, but the move is intriguing for other reasons.
Lawson's sons Dedric and K.J. play for the Tigers, and the NCAA forbids someone who has ties to a prospect from taking a support role within two years of a player joining the program. In theory, this move would violate that rule.
Memphis, though, is planning to apply for a waiver to allow Lawson to remain on staff, a source told Parrish.
Lawson was on Josh Pastner's staff, so the fear is that the two players would potentially transfer because of the coaching change. Smith wouldn't want to lose his top two returning scorers, so a waiver from the NCAA could go a long way in keeping them.