MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis got good news and bad news Monday about Nemanja Popovic, the veteran Serbian big man expected to anchor its frontcourt this winter.
The university said the NCAA has cleared the 24-year-old for two seasons of college eligibility, one more than many had expected after his years in European pro leagues. The catch is a six-game withholding period at the start of the season tied to that earlier play abroad.
Memphis is appealing the penalty and hopes to have Popovic on the floor for the Nov. 2 opener against Iowa State. If the ruling holds, the 6-foot-9 forward would also sit out games against Louisville, Vanderbilt, VCU, Penn State and Evansville.
Popovic spent last season in Poland with King Szczecin, earning all-league honors in the top Polish division. The year before, he was named MVP while playing for KK Vrsac in Serbia, averaging 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.
He has already shown what he can bring. In a 75-58 exhibition win at Mississippi State on Oct. 23, he played 31 minutes and put up 12 points to go with three steals, three assists, four boards and a blocked shot.
Losing him for the opening stretch would leave coach Penny Hardaway thin inside, since his other big men saw little action in that exhibition.
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