MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis center James Wiseman says he has withdrawn from school as the likely NBA lottery pick gets ready to begin his pro career.
The 7-foot-1 freshman said Thursday in an Instagram post that he was leaving school to start “preparing for the next chapter of my life.” Wiseman added that “ever since I was a little kid, it’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA.”
Wiseman is considered the potential No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
This decision ends Wiseman’s tumultuous college career after only three games. Wiseman was the biggest prize in a Memphis recruiting class that was ranked as the nation’s best, but he was serving an NCAA suspension for most of the season.
The NCAA suspended Wiseman 12 games because his family received $11,500 to assist in a move from Nashville to Memphis in the summer of 2017. Although Penny Hardaway wasn’t Memphis’ coach at the time, the NCAA ruled the payment wasn’t allowed because he was acting as a booster.
Wiseman played in Memphis’ first three games and averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds. He would have been eligible to return to action for the 11th-ranked Tigers (9-1) on Jan. 12.
The University of Memphis has chimed in:
Here is the full statement from the University of Memphis regarding James Wiseman being ruled ineligible.He will play tonight vs. UIC due to a temporary restraining order issued by a Shelby County court judge. pic.twitter.com/P2qZ8QDBui
— Jessica Benson (@Local24Jessica)
November 8, 2019 Potential No. 1 pick James Wiseman of Memphis has left the university, will sign with an agent and begin preparing for 2020 NBA draft.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
December 19, 2019 James Wiseman began informing Memphis coaches in recent days about decision to leave school and sign with an agent. Penny Hardaway pushed hard and attempted to keep his star recruit. After 12-game suspension and $11,500 charity fee discipline, Wiseman is gone from NCAA. https://t.co/SPkfiPynl1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
December 19, 2019 “College basketball needed James Wiseman more than James Wiseman neeeded college basketball.” - @SethOnHoops on w/ @mgiannotto & @JWright929espn
— 929ESPN (@929espn)
December 19, 2019 “I think Memphis can play with anyone in the country.” - @SethOnHoops on the Tigers without Wiseman
— 929ESPN (@929espn)
December 19, 2019 The James Wiseman era at Memphis officially lasted 3 games. He gone. pic.twitter.com/LVEhN1IHJW
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto)
December 19, 2019 Seen a little bit of this out there ... James Wiseman's decision to leave Memphis was not related to any hypothetical forthcoming NCAA information.
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929)
December 19, 2019 I have questions about who and what influenced this decision.Regardless, Wiseman going to the pros will be good for him. He's been through so much. Time to go get paid.
— Jonah Jordan (@_JonahJordan)
December 19, 2019 I’m on a poorly timed flight to Las Vegas. But James Wiseman announcing he’s left Memphis is obviously rough news for Memphis. More than anything, it’s the latest bit of evidence that suggests many elite prospects don’t value college basketball the way most fans would like.
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS)
December 19, 2019 Feel terrible for Memphis, but happy for Wiseman.Took destiny back into his own hands and showed a corrupt organization it can't control his life. He's an incredible young man and will be a fantastic pro. It's the smart move.Wish him the best. Tigers will be just fine. #GTG pic.twitter.com/6NDRomlcsA
— Connor Dunning (@CDunning929)
December 19, 2019 James Wiseman, who played 3 games this season, is a projected top-5 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.The fewest college games played by a No. 1 pick to attend and play in college was Kyrie Irving (11 in 2010-11).The fewest by a top-5 pick is 5 (Darius Garland in 2018-19). https://t.co/qkSlTDqEUm
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo)
December 19, 2019 New on ESPN: Digging into the reasons behind James Wiseman's departure from Memphis as well as what it means for his standing in the 2020 NBA Draft. What question marks will teams need to answer by June? https://t.co/CAgPGzNuJ6
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress)
December 19, 2019
