University of Memphis freshman James Wiseman will return to the hardwood on Jan. 12.
The NCAA announced Wednesday that the 7-foot-1 star is suspended 12 games, with 11 remaining at the time of the announcement.
Penny Hardaway paid $11,500 to help Wiseman and his family relocated to Memphis when the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2019 was in high school. At the time, Hardaway was an AAU coach and coach at East Memphis High School, where Wiseman enrolled.
As a former Memphis player and a donor, Hardaway qualified as a booster, making the financial help an impermissible benefit.
Hardaway is now the Tigers’ head coach.
The NCAA warned Memphis before the season began that the star rookie could be ineligible. The school, athletic department, and team decided to play Wiseman in three games anyway.
Memphis will appeal the suspension, saying Wednesday, “We expect a more fair and equitable resolution, and we will exhaust all avenues on James’ behalf.”