James Wiseman cleared to compete on Jan. 12 by NCAA

Memphis freshman James Wiseman has been cleared to compete on Jan. 12, the NCAA announced Wednesday. This means the dynamic center will be suspended 12 games and be able to return for a road matchup against South Florida.

Wiseman, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, had played three games for the Tigers, averaging 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds before being deemed ineligible due to recruitment inducements his family received prior to enrolling. WIseman will also have to pay $11,500 to the charity of his choice.

While it’s disappointing news, there is a silver lining of course, and that’s that we get to watch Wiseman play in the NCAA for most of conference play in January and February. But it’s a big hit for Penny Hardaway’s Memphis squad in the short term, though they got a talented roster with guard Lester Quinones, Precious Achiuwa and D.J. Jeffries.