Childhood and Education Journey of James Wiseman in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of James Wiseman, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

James Wiseman is a professional basketball player who most recently played for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He is a 6'11" center who played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers before entering the NBA. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2020.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 31, 2001: James Wiseman's Birth

On March 31, 2001, James Monteinez Wiseman was born. He is an American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

June 2016: ESPN Ranking

In June 2016, ESPN ranked James Wiseman among its top 25 players in the 2020 recruiting class, recognizing his potential early in his high school career.

May 2017: Joined Team Penny

In May 2017, James Wiseman joined Team Penny, which was founded by Penny Hardaway, and played on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit.

November 16, 2017: Ruled Ineligible by TSSAA

On November 16, 2017, the TSSAA ruled James Wiseman ineligible for his junior season due to an "athletic coaching link" with Penny Hardaway.

2017: Hardaway Facilitates Wiseman's Move

In 2017, Penny Hardaway facilitated James Wiseman's move to Memphis, Tennessee, which later led to Wiseman's suspension by the NCAA early in his freshman season at Memphis.

2017: Moving Expenses

In 2017, Penny Hardaway paid for $11,500 in moving expenses to help James Wiseman and his family move to Memphis. This action led to the NCAA ruling him ineligible to play for Memphis.

2017: Original Ruling of Ineligibility

In October 2019, after Wiseman had moved on to the University of Memphis, the TSSAA's original ruling of ineligibility for the 2017–18 season was upheld by a Memphis judge.

March 17, 2018: Led Memphis East to TSSAA Championship

On March 17, 2018, James Wiseman led Memphis East to a TSSAA Class AAA championship, scoring 19 points, marking a significant achievement in his high school career.

November 20, 2018: Committed to Memphis

On November 20, 2018, James Wiseman committed to Memphis to play for Penny Hardaway, despite considering Kentucky.

March 1, 2019: Triple-Double and Region 8AAA Championship

On March 1, 2019, James Wiseman recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 blocks, helping his team win the Region 8AAA championship.

October 2019: TSSAA Ruling Upheld

In October 2019, a Memphis judge upheld the TSSAA's original ruling of ineligibility for James Wiseman's 2017–18 season, affirming that the coaching link rule was valid.

December 19, 2019: Left Memphis to Prepare for NBA Draft

On December 19, 2019, James Wiseman announced that he would leave Memphis, hire an agent, and prepare for the 2020 NBA draft, concluding his college career.

2019: Rated Number One Overall Recruit by ESPN

During the 2017-2018 season, James Wiseman rose to become the number one overall recruit by ESPN in the 2019 class.

2019: Considered Top Recruit

In 2019, James Wiseman was considered the top recruit by 247Sports and ESPN. On November 20, 2018, he committed to Memphis. On November 29, Wiseman signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for Memphis.

2019: Ranked Number One Recruit

In 2019, as a senior, James Wiseman was ranked as a consensus five-star recruit, earning the number one position in the 2019 class by most recruiting services. He also received multiple national player of the year awards and participated in the McDonald's All-American Game.

2020: Recruiting Class of 2020

Entering his freshman season for The Ensworth School in Nashville, Tennessee, Wiseman stood 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) and weighed 200 pounds (91 kg). By 2020, ESPN ranked Wiseman among its top 25 players in the recruiting class.