James Wiseman to enter 2020 NBA Draft, leaving Memphis, NCAA controversy behind

James Wiseman has withdrawn from Memphis and will enter the 2020 NBA Draft, the former Memphis forward announced Thursday on Instagram.

The top recruit in the 2019 class, Wiseman was always considered a likely one-and-done college player, but his career as a Tiger took a turn after three games, when the NCAA called his eligibility into question due to his mother reportedly accepting a loan from Memphis coach Penny Hardaway. After a protracted, public battle, Wiseman accepted a 12-game suspension. His announcement Thursday came before he had fully served that suspension.

SCOUTING REPORT: Will James Wiseman go No. 1 in 2020 NBA Draft?

 

 

 

 

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Today I formally withdrew from the University of Memphis and I will be preparing for the next chapter of my life. Ever since I was a little kid, it’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. Throughout this process, I’ve asked God to ordain my steps and lead me in the right direction. God is my lord and salvation, and throughout this process he has comforted me. 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. I want to thank the coaches and staff for all their support and my teammates for pushing me everyday at practice. I feel blessed for the opportunity to be a Tiger and for having the honor to play with these special group of guys. I can’t wait to see what all they accomplish this season. The friends and fans of Tiger Nation will always hold a place in my heart. #GoTigersGo 🐯🔵🐯

A post shared by James Wiseman (@bigticket_j13) on Dec 19, 2019 at 11:41am PST

Wiseman will be viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft. The 7-foot-1 forward averaged 19.7 points in his three games at Memphis, doing nothing to lower the draft stock he entered college with. However, because he has relatively little game film, his NBA combine and team workouts are likely to take on added importance compared to many top draft picks.

For Memphis, Wiseman's earlier suspension should soften the blow. The No. 11 Tigers already had to adapt to not having Wiseman, and they haven't lost since he began sitting out.