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The NCAA announced Wednesday afternoon that freshman James Wiseman must sit an 11 additional games based on recruiting inducements his family received prior to enrolling at the University of Memphis.
Wiseman was originally ruled ineligible to play on Nov. 8 after the NCAA determined his family received improper benefits when Penny Hardaway helped the 18-year-old move from Nashville to Memphis in 2017 before he became head coach of the Tigers. Hardaway was considered to be a booster for the program after donating money to the school in 2008.
Following the decision by the NCAA, Wiseman and the university filed a lawsuit to temporarily block the ruling, which a Shelby County judge granted pending further litigation. Wiseman played two more games for Memphis but recently withdrew his lawsuit to await a final verdict from the NCAA.
Many believe Wiseman withdrew the lawsuit as the two sides were nearing a resolution on his punishment. As part of the agreement, Wiseman would not appear in a game until the final decision was issued. Now, Wiseman will be cleared to play on Jan. 12 against USF.
Wiseman must also repay $11,500 to a charity — the amount Hardaway loaned to his mother to help cover moving expenses.
Memphis will appeal the decision by the NCAA.
Memphis’ James Wiseman cleared to compete Jan. 12: https://t.co/fKa4FKGGeB pic.twitter.com/HaI9h560xS
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) November 20, 2019
The 7-foot-1 center is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and some even believe he can potentially be the top pick. The arrival of Wiseman helped Hardaway have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
In three games this season, Wiseman is averaging 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and three blocks per game. Including the USF game on Jan. 12, the Tigers will have 16 games left in the regular season.
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