NCAA denies DeAndre Williams’ eligibility request

The NCAA has denied Memphis basketball star DeAndre Williams an additional season of eligibility, dealing a significant blow to the Tigers’ roster and bringing closure to a long-shot waiver pursuit. This decision comes despite the team’s efforts to present evidence of academic misadvisement prior to Williams’ enrollment.

Standing at 6-foot-9, Williams spent the past three seasons at Memphis, earning first-team all-AAC honors last season with impressive averages of 17.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. Before joining Memphis, he spent two seasons at Evansville but was ruled ineligible for the 2018-19 season due to delayed enrollment.

In a statement, Memphis athletics expressed extreme disappointment with the denial, stating they believed the evidence provided to the NCAA was sufficient for granting the waiver. They also emphasized their ongoing efforts to provide additional information in support of Williams.

Initially thinking his collegiate career was over, Williams sought the help of sports attorney Don Jackson to attempt a Hail Mary for eligibility restoration. In July, the school appealed the initial ineligible ruling, arguing that Williams made decisions based on misadvisement before enrolling. Unfortunately, the NCAA did not agree with this argument.

The NCAA’s explanation for denying Williams’ eligibility

According to Don Jackson, the NCAA’s rationale for denying Williams’ eligibility was inconsistent with their own precedent. The NCAA cited that initial eligibility advice should only come from NCAA certified summer coaches, high school teachers, or high school coaches – none of whom were involved in Williams’ case.

Impact on the Memphis basketball roster

With Williams’ request denied, Jayden Hardaway and Malcolm Dandridge are the only players from last season’s roster expected to return. However, Memphis has added eight scholarship transfers and three scholarship freshmen, improving their depth for the upcoming season. In particular, the addition of Temple transfer Nick Jourdain could strengthen their power forward position.

The Tigers will kick off their season against Jackson State at FedExForum on Monday. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+.

For more information, contact sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @munzly.

This article was originally published on Memphis Commercial Appeal.