Memphis center James Wiseman announced on Instagram Thursday that he's leaving Memphis to get ready for the NBA draft. Wiseman had tussled with the NCAA over eligibility and ultimately played only three games.
"Today I formally withdrew from the University of Memphis and I will be preparing for the next chapter of my life," Wiseman wrote. "Ever since I was a little kid, it's been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. ... This was not how I expected my freshman season to be, but I'm thankful for everyone who has supported my family and me throughout this process."
Wiseman was serving a 12-game suspension over what the NCAA determined was an illegal gift from now-Memphis coach Penny Hardaway. In 2017, Hardaway was Wiseman's AAU coach, and he gave Wiseman's mother $11,500 to move from Nashville to Memphis. Wiseman played at a Memphis high school under Hardaway and committed to play for Memphis after Hardaway became the head coach there.
Wiseman would have been eligible to return Jan. 12, and he's considered a strong contender to go No. 1 overall in next summer's NBA draft.
The 7-1, 18-year-old averaged 19.7 points in his three games with Memphis, but the Tigers have surprisingly thrived without him. No. 11 in the latest AP poll, Memphis beat No. 19 Tennessee on the road last week and has won seven consecutive games.
