MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The NCAA ruling on the University of Memphis's appeal for center Nemanja Popovic came down on Monday, about two hours before the Tigers' season opener against Iowa State, and it went against Memphis. The appeal was denied, so Popovic must sit out six games.
The decision was made by the NCAA Athletics and Eligibility Subcommittee, a group made up of representatives from the NCAA membership. Memphis said in a statement that it was disappointed, but it thanked its compliance staff for the work that helped secure two seasons of eligibility for the player.
Popovic is a center from Serbia. The NCAA granted him two seasons of eligibility on Oct. 26 but, citing his previous international competition, said he had to sit out the first six games of the regular season. Memphis appealed that withholding period, and the subcommittee's answer arrived on game day.
He will not play in the opener at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but he can travel and practice with the team while the withholding period runs. In exhibitions against Mississippi State and Arkansas, Popovic averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
The ruling meant coach Penny Hardaway had to open the season without one of his new big men. Even so, Memphis beat No. 18 Iowa State 80-76. Jayden Reid scored 26 points and hit a three-pointer with 38 seconds left to seal it, Luke Almodovar scored 18, and Rihards Vavers added 15.
What happens next: the six games run through the early part of the schedule. Memphis hosts VCU on Saturday, the second game, which Popovic will also miss. The withholding period is not a suspension for misconduct, and he remains on the roster and with the team.
The Tigers are coming off a 13-19 season, and Hardaway rebuilt the roster this offseason. Popovic's return will be one of the things to watch as the schedule moves into November.