Memphis’ James Wiseman — a potential NBA lottery pick — has left school

James Wiseman says he has withdrawn from Mmephis as the likely NBA lottery pick gets ready to begin his pro career. | Karen Pulfer Focht/AP

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis center James Wiseman says he has withdrawn from school as the likely NBA lottery pick gets ready to begin his pro career.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.

View this post on Instagram

Today I formally withdrew from the University of Memphis and I will be preparing for the next chapter of my life. Ever since I was a little kid, it’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. Throughout this process, I’ve asked God to ordain my steps and lead me in the right direction. God is my lord and salvation, and throughout this process he has comforted me. 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. I want to thank the coaches and staff for all their support and my teammates for pushing me everyday at practice. I feel blessed for the opportunity to be a Tiger and for having the honor to play with these special group of guys. I can’t wait to see what all they accomplish this season. The friends and fans of Tiger Nation will always hold a place in my heart. #GoTigersGo

A post shared by James Wiseman (@bigticket_j13) on Dec 19, 2019 at 11:41am PST

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.

Memphis officials weren’t immediately available for comment.