The college career of Memphis standout James Wiseman has ended. Wiseman hit Instagram on Thursday to announce he will cut his college stint shorty and head for the 2020 NBA draft.
“Ever since I was a little kid, it’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. … 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,” Wiseman wrote on Instagram. “I want to thank the coaches and staff for all their support and my teammates for pushing me everyday at practice.”
The NCAA suspended Wiseman 12 games for his mother accepting $11,500 from Penny Hardaway in the summer of 2017 and Wiseman going on to play three games this season while ineligible. Memphis appealed the ruling but it was denied, making him unable to play until January 12.
Hardaway was the head coach of East High School at the time and ran the Team Penny grassroots program. Wiseman played under Penny at both. Hardaway was considered a booster for giving a $1 million donation to the school to build a Hall-of-Fame.
In his quick three-game stint, ESPN details the potential number one pick averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks.
