UPDATE: Wisman has now been deemed ELIGIBLE to play tonight against the University of Illinois-Chicago after the school filed an emergency restraining order.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that five-star Memphis Tigers basketball recruit James Wiseman, one of the most star-studded freshman of the decade who is likely be the no. 1 overall selection in next season’s NBA Draft, has been ruled ineligible for the 2020 season by the NCAA.
Wojnarowski tweeted Friday afternoon on the shocking breaking news: "Memphis coach Penny Hardaway assisted Wiseman and his family's move to Memphis in 2018, attorney Leslie Ballin said in a news conference --- and the NCAA has deemed Hardaway a booster."
Notable college basketball insider Jeff Goodman then added more specifics when he tweeted "James Wiseman moved from Nashville to Memphis and played for Penny Hardaway at Memphis East his junior and senior years in high school. Also played for Penny in AAU ball. NCAA deeming Penny a booster for helping to pay moving expenses."
Memphis under new head coach Penny Hardaway is ranked no. 14 in the country and had Final Four aspirations with the dominant 7’1” center.
Wiseman had 28 points and 11 rebounds in just 22 minutes of game action in Memphis’ opening night victory over South Carolina State on Tuesday.
It was a memorable Friday for the NCAA, who is also currently investigating Ohio State Buckeyes All-American pass rusher Chase Young for accepting a loan from a family friend in 2018. The Buckeyes have ruled Young out for their upcoming game versus the Maryland Terrapins this week, but hope they can avoid a season-long suspension for the likely no. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.