Potential first-overall pick James Wiseman has left the University of Memphis. The 7-foot-1 center will reportedly sign with an agent and prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Wiseman was ruled ineligible by the NCAA after it was determined Memphis coach Penny Hardaway facilitated his move to Memphis in 2017. By giving his family $11,500, Hardaway acted as a booster within NCAA rules.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported he would leave the university on Thursday afternoon.
Wiseman played in three games total with Memphis. Two of them were preseason matchups. In his only regular season game, he scored 28 points, adding 11 rebounds and three blocks in 22 minutes. He was eligible to play in this game due to a restraining order against the NCAA granted to him by a Memphis judge.
During his short time at Memphis he dealt with both a shoulder and an ankle injury. Despite the drama surrounding his NCAA violation and the injuries, he is regarded as the best prospect in the 2020 draft class.
Being removed from the NCAA allows Wiseman to sign an agent, which may increase his draft stock further. He apparently will solely focus on being prepared for the draft now that he has unenrolled.
Memphis plays Jackson State on Saturday, December 21.
Featured Image courtesy of Karen Pulfer Focht/Associated Press
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