James Wiseman Says He Will Leave Memphis and Enter the N.B.A. Draft

Wiseman initially fought the suspension that cut short his first college season, filing a lawsuit against the N.C.A.A. and Memphis that he later withdrew.

He played in three games for the Tigers, including two games in defiance of the N.C.A.A.’s discipline, as a judge issued a temporary restraining order to allow him back on the court. He averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in the three games, and was eligible to return on Jan. 12 at South Florida, his team’s third conference matchup.

The university, which has not faced discipline but could be punished for playing Wiseman after he was declared ineligible, had appealed the suspension to the N.C.A.A.

Wiseman, a 7-foot-1 center, is widely considered one of three top draft prospects next year, along with the guards LaMelo Ball, who was playing in Australia, and R.J. Hampton, who was playing in New Zealand.

Fran Fraschilla, a college basketball analyst for ESPN and a former coach, said the move would not hurt Wiseman’s prospects.

“Barring an injury between now and June 25, he’s at worst the third pick in the draft and potentially the No. 1 pick over all,” Fraschilla said. “His three games were enough for people to see the enormous potential.”

The departure leaves the No. 11 Tigers (9-1) with Precious Achiuwa as their top player. Achiuwa, a 6-9 projected lottery pick, averages 13.3 points and 9.9 rebounds.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/sports/james-wiseman-leaving-memphis.html?emc=rss&partner=rss