Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Wiseman leaves Memphis, to enter NBA draft

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Thursday, 19 December 2019 12:05

The James Wiseman era at Memphis has ended after just three games.

Wiseman, who has missed the past seven games due to a 12-game suspension stemming from an NCAA investigation and was set to return at South Florida on Jan. 12, announced on Instagram on Thursday that he will leave the program, hire an agent and prepare for 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

Wiseman is currently the projected No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft on ESPN.com. In three games with Memphis (9-1), he averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. The 7-foot-1 center was suspended after the school admitted that Penny Hardaway made an $11,500 payment to Wiseman's mother in 2017 before accepting the head-coaching job at his alma mater.

Per the NCAA, Hardaway's $1 million donation to the school in 2008 made him a booster and therefore his payment to Wiseman's mother was an improper benefit. The school vowed to appeal the NCAA's ruling, and Wiseman's lawyers filed for a temporary injunction that allowed Wiseman to play while the investigation continued. But the NCAA announced the 12-game suspension last month and the school lost its appeal.

The Tigers are 7-0 without Wiseman, a streak that includes Saturday's 51-47 win over a nationally ranked Tennessee team.

If Hardaway had any inclination that Wiseman might leave the team, he did not offer any insight after the win over the Vols.

"I think this was a building win for us, meaning like everybody in that building, from the trainer to the [graduate assistants] to the managers, everybody that had any part to do with these kids just getting prepared and ready to go to play this game," Hardaway said. "It takes everybody, man. As a team, you can only keep preaching: We're down, but we're not out. And we just keep fighting."

With the team's success sans Wiseman and previously pending return of the projected lottery pick, Memphis seemed capable of evolving into a national title contender. The ceiling for the program, however, is lower now with Wiseman's departure.

Read 360 times

Soccer

Sources: Police question player amid rape claims

Sources: Police question player amid rape claims

EmailPrintA Premier League footballer accused of rape has been questioned by police for a second tim...

Vinícius is a star at Real Madrid, but why not for Brazil?

Vinícius is a star at Real Madrid, but why not for Brazil?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAdditional reporting by Gustavo Hofman.Vinícius Júnior didn't win t...

Laporte open to joining injury-hit Real Madrid

Laporte open to joining injury-hit Real Madrid

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAl Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte has said he would listen to an ap...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Standings: Biggest surprises and underperformers of the season so far

Standings: Biggest surprises and underperformers of the season so far

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2024-25 NBA season is just a few weeks old, and teams are alrea...

At 39, LeBron oldest with 3 straight triple-doubles

At 39, LeBron oldest with 3 straight triple-doubles

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- LeBron James recorded the 40th 30-point triple-doubl...

Baseball

Williams' Medal of Freedom, MVP up for auction

Williams' Medal of Freedom, MVP up for auction

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- Ted Williams' Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was pr...

Guardians, AL Central champions, tweak staff

Guardians, AL Central champions, tweak staff

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Guardians manager Stephen Vogt made some tweaks to Cle...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated