NCAA rules Memphis center James Wiseman ineligible. What does it mean for his future?

James Wiseman in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. | Karen Pulfer Focht, Associated Press

Social media compared Wiseman to another college athlete

The NCAA has ruled Memphis center James Wiseman — a potential No. 1 pick in the NBA draft next year — as ineligible for the rest of the season.

However, Wiseman will play Friday night after a court issued a temporary restraining order, according to Memphis.

According to ESPN, Tigers coach Penny Hardaway gave him $11,500 to help Wiseman and his family move to Memphis back in 2017. The NCAA ruled Hardaway a booster.

“The University is currently working with the NCAA staff to restore his playing status, and we are hopeful for a speedy resolution to the matter,” Memphis said.

Several public figures, media members and sports figures talked about the ruling on social media. Some compared the decision to Ohio Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young being held out because of a potential NCAA violation.

The NCAA's decision may not impact James Wiseman's draft stock as a possible no. 1 pick but it's undeniable that NBA scouts wanted to see much more of him. Wiseman could have silenced concerns teams have about his feel, motor, and jumper. It's much harder to evaluate him now.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 8, 2019

Today will be remembered as the day that two potential No. 1 picks in different sports, Chase Young and James Wiseman, were found ineligible by the NCAA. And another searing reminder why NCAA rules needs to evolve, quickly.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 8, 2019

Between James Wiseman and Chase Young, I’m starting to think that the NCAA is not the angelic non-profit that we’ve assumed it to be.

— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) November 8, 2019

James Wiseman was ruled ineligible by NCAA on Nov. 5 after initially ruling him eligible in May. Per Wiseman’s attorney, NCAA alleges that Penny Hardaway paid for “thousands” of dollars in moving expenses when Wiseman moved from Nashville to Memphis in HS. Wiseman now suing NCAA.

— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) November 8, 2019

NCAA: “You ineligible for the rest of the season!”

James Wiseman’s lawyer: pic.twitter.com/QcKztcavH7

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) November 8, 2019

James Wiseman will literally be playing every game like it’s his last for the foreseeable future.

— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) November 8, 2019

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/2Q1Y1gc