Memphis Basketball: Overall impact of James Wiseman leaving to go pro

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks between the Oregon Ducks and Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: Precious Achiuwa #55 of the Memphis Tigers (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

How does Memphis adapt to the news?

The answer to this question is fairly simple: not much. The Tigers have yet to lose a game since Wiseman was declared ineligible, and their only loss of the season was against Oregon with Wiseman in foul trouble for most of the game. It hasn’t been a breeze of a schedule either, they’ve beaten Ole Miss, North Carolina State and Tennessee, with the latter coming on the road.

In a season where many of the top teams have slipped up and shown major flaws, it has been a pleasant surprise to Memphis to stay consistent, despite having up to six Freshmen in their rotation. They sit 11th in the nation, and with only three non-conference games remaining (Jackson State, New Orleans and Georgia), they could be sitting at 12-1 entering AAC play.

Perhaps the biggest boost they’ve gotten since Wiseman sat out was the leap from fellow freshman Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa only averaged 9.6 points per game with Wiseman but has stepped it up to almost 15 a night with Wiseman gone. Achiuwa has been able to play at the 5 more frequently without Wiseman manning the paint, which has been a major plus for him. He was struggling to make plays on the perimeter for the Tigers, so his move down low has really helped him offensively.

In the short-term, Memphis should be alright. Losing Wiseman may lower their overall ceiling, but the should still be a Top 25 team throughout the rest of the season. Them competing for a Championship in early April seems unlikely, but a Sweet 16 at least seems very reasonable.

In the long-term, this may be even more beneficial for the Tigers. Achiuwa may be the only player on the roster to enter the NBA Draft next season, and the increased minutes up and down the roster can only provide experience for the future of this young Memphis team. While losing Wiseman is a bummer, it is far from a program defeating loss for Penny Hardaway.