James Wiseman has had enough of the NCAA’s nonsense

James Wiseman has had enough of the NCAA’s meddling. He’s decided to withdraw from the University of Memphis and start getting ready for the 2020 NBA Draft.

This year was supposed to one of rebirth for the Memphis basketball program. Penny Hardaway was entering his second season as head coach and a highly-touted recruiting class had the Tigers looking like a dark horse contender. However, the jewel of that recruiting class — James Wiseman — appeared in just three games because of a 12-game suspension from the NCAA.

The suspension was for two violations: his family accepting money from Hardaway to help with a move to Memphis (before Hardaway had been hired at the University) and for playing in the first three games of the season as he appealed the suspension. Wiseman was not supposed to play until Jan. 12 but he has apparently decided it’s not worth the wait and The Athletic’s Shams Charania is reporting he will leave school, sign with an agent and begin preparing for the NBA Draft.

Wiseman was seen as a potential No. 1 pick but questions about his shooting touch and decision-making will likely push him out of that slot before it’s all said and done, especially without him having a chance to show off in the NCAA Tournament. Memphis, meanwhile, has been fine without him — winning their last seven games and finding balance in their deep rotation.

As usual, the NCAA looks ridiculous. They have enforced their archaic rules denying fans a chance to watch one of the most exciting players in college basketball, disrupting a resurgent program but making sure the imaginary line between amateur and professional is preserved.

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