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Memphis Freshman James Wiseman Leaves Program and Will Focus on Preparing for the NBA Draft

By Braulio Perez

PK Invitational - Memphis v Oregon
PK Invitational - Memphis v Oregon / Steve Dykes/Getty Images

There's a new episode in the soap opera known as James Wiseman's career at the University of Memphis. Well, actually, it's come to an end.

In a bit of a stunner, it was announced Thursday afternoon the superstar freshman has left Penny Hardaway's program and will shift his focus to getting prepared for the 2020 NBA Draft.

Wiseman was suspended by the NCAA for 12 games for his family accepting $11,500 from Hardaway in the summer of 2017. The NCAA also ruled Wiseman had to donate that same $11,500 sum to a charity of his choosing.

He was set to return to hardwood for Memphis on Jan. 12, but that won't be the case. Instead, the projected top pick in next June's NBA Draft has decided to leave school and get himself league ready.

View this post on Instagram

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

Wiseman appeared in three games this fall, averaging 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. However, the NCAA dropped a hammer on him with his suspension, and now he's opted to withdraw from the program.

With him being such a top-level talent, he was expected to leave Memphis after one year all along to chase his NBA dreams. Now, he's made that official.