MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) — From Memphis to national sports talk radio, James Wiseman’s announcement has everybody talking.
Good decision for the number one NBA draft pick? What does this mean for Penny and Memphis basketball?
There are lots of opinions about Wiseman’s announcement, but there’s widespread support for the young player. One thing we must remember here is that this is all about a young man who was a student that had dreams of playing college ball with a coach and team he respected.
Wiseman has handled a situation that could have been much worse with grace. Fans like Jessica Welch see that and wish him well in the future even though they are disappointed.
“Some of my coworkers were concerned and thought I had actually lost a loved one because I got so upset,” said Welch.”
Some fans didn’t know what to think when they saw Wiseman’s Instagram post Thursday afternoon announcing he was leaving the Memphis basketball program.
“It’s best for him just to put it past him and focus on his future which is the NBA. His 3 games at Memphis he definitely showed what he can do,” said Gary Chism.
While fans were surprised by Wiseman’s departure this is a big decision for an 18-year-old young man and one that’s been in the making for several weeks according sources close to Wiseman. We’re talking about an elite athlete with a bright future and talent worth millions.
Sports agent Rebecca Adelman of MPower Sports Group in the South Main area of Memphis says there are lots of moving parts to this situation.
“Distractions. You know this issue with the NCAA that’s come up is not only a distraction for him, but it’s also a distraction –I’m sure– for Penny, for Memphis, for the other players, and so being advised of all these different options this was probably the best choice for him. He probably wanted to stay in Memphis, but having these other considerations this was probably the best path for him to take,” said Adelman.
Adelman says what we do know is that Wiseman will be guided through all of this by his agent, with some possible lucrative endorsements along the way, and that he’s best to focus on preparing for the draft without injury.