Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, reacting to the James Wiseman news, is drawing inspiration from the political climate to take shots for the Sixers — and we don't mean jumpers.
One day after President Donald Trump was impeached by the United States House of Representatives, Harris said that “someone needs to impeach the NCAA” in light James Wiseman's decision to withdraw from the University of Memphis due to eligibility complications:
Someone needs to impeach the @NCAA https://t.co/gBoqR5aWWo
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) December 19, 2019
Wiseman–who is regarded as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft–announced on Thursday that he was leaving Memphis and hiring an agent in preparation for his leap to the NBA.
The decision stems from a 12-game suspension levied by the NCAA after an investigation conclude that Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway had acted as a “booster” to help coax Wiseman to attend Memphis (via Myron Medcalf of ESPN):
Per the NCAA, Hardaway's $1 million donation to the school in 2008 made him a booster and therefore his payment to Wiseman's mother was an improper benefit. The school vowed to appeal the NCAA's ruling, and Wiseman's lawyers filed for a temporary injunction that allowed Wiseman to play while the investigation continued. But the NCAA announced the 12-game suspension last month and the school lost its appeal.
Wiseman would have been reinstated on Jan. 12 against South Florida, but he will instead turn his focus towards preparing for the Draft.
This is not unlike current San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa's decision to withdraw from Ohio State University and forego his senior season to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft.
However, Bosa's decision stemmed from an injury sustained in September of 2018. Wiseman's choice has nothing to do with health, but instead appears aimed at frustrations with the NCAA.
At least, that is how Tobias Harris–and a good deal of the basketball community–interprets the situation.
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