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Report: Memphis optimistic Wiseman will miss less than 9 games

Steve Dykes / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Memphis officials are optimistic that freshman star James Wiseman will miss less than the nine games the NCAA's impermissible benefits rules prescribe, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

"The hope is he misses three, maybe six games," a source told Charania.

However, if Wiseman's 2019-20 season isn't saved, he intends to refile his lawsuit against the NCAA and Memphis, sources told Charania.

The McDonald's All-American, who's awaiting a decision from the NCAA, was initially scheduled to appear in court with his attorneys this coming Monday before withdrawing his lawsuit on Thursday. The school declared Wiseman ineligible to play shortly afterward and it reapplied for his reinstatement.

The NCAA previously deemed Wiseman "likely ineligible" because head coach Penny Hardaway acted as a booster by giving $11,500 to the 18-year-old's family to help them move to Memphis from Nashville. The incident occurred before Hardaway took the Tigers' head coaching gig.

Wiseman is averaging 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and three blocks through three contests this season. He's projected to be a candidate for the No. 1 pick in next year's NBA draft.

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