No. 1 high school basketball recruit James Wiseman has announced his decision to play basketball at the University of Memphis.
Nov. 20 (UPI) — No. 1 high school basketball recruit James Wiseman has announced his decision to play basketball at the University of Memphis.
Wiseman picked the Tigers over powerhouses including Kentucky, Kansas and North Carolina, among other top programs. The 7-foot center is listed as the top overall recruit in the class of 2019, according to Scout, 247 Sports and ESPN.
Wiseman made the announcement on ESPN. He did so by pulling out a stuffed unicorn, wrapped in Memphis colors.
“It’s a great feeling to have this opportunity,” Wiseman told ESPN . “I am truly blessed to have this opportunity. For me to be right here, right now, it humbles me a lot. It’s a great experience.”
Wiseman said his top priority was the environment and how he would be able to fit, as well as the coaches.
The 17-year-old averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game last season, helping Memphis’ East High School to a state championship.
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway coached Wiseman at East High School before joining the Tigers. Hardaway has also already gotten a commitment from No. 21 ESPN recruit D. J. Jeffries.
