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Memphis Tigers center James Wiseman’s status for the 2019-20 season was called into question after complications involving coach Penny Hardaway’s assistance in the families move to the area surfaced.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, lawyers learned Friday that Hardaway’s role in helping Wiseman move to Memphis in 2018 was a violation worthy of ineligibility.
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway assisted Wiseman and his family's move to Memphis in 2008, attorney Leslie Ballin said in a news conference --- and the NCAA has deemed Hardaway a booster. https://t.co/ce5WYq2AxS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 8, 2019
*Wojnarowski later updated the year from 2008 to 2018.
Shortly following the news of Wiseman’s ineligibility, Memphis issued a statement that revealed an emergency temporary restraining order will allow Wiseman to to play tonight against the UIC Flames while the investigation unfolds.
Wiseman, a 7-foot center with explosive athleticism, is regarded as one the frontrunners to be chosen with the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In April, Wiseman recorded 12 points and eight rebounds at the Nike Hoop Summit in front of the Moda Center crowd.