NCAA Grants Memphis Center Popović Two Seasons
The University of Memphis plans to appeal an NCAA ruling requiring Nemanja Popović to sit out six games.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Basketball
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The NCAA has officially cleared Memphis basketball center Nemanja Popović for two seasons of collegiate competition. However, the governing body also mandated a six-game suspension, prompting the University of Memphis to initiate an appeal process.
Why it matters
The suspension limits the available roster depth for the Tigers as they approach the start of the regular season. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Popović will be sidelined for the opening stretch of games.
Popović, a 24-year-old center, averaged 13.8 points and 6.7 rebounds over 31 games in Poland last season. He recently contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and three steals in a preseason win against Mississippi State.
The players
Nemanja Popović
He is a 24-year-old basketball center who previously played for King Wilki Morskie Szczecin in Poland and earned MVP honors in the Serbian league.
University of Memphis
This is a public research university that maintains a prominent Division I collegiate basketball program competing in the American Athletic Conference.
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.
The details
Popović has been a member of the team since June 2026 and began participating in workouts in July. The university is actively challenging the six-game withholding period mandated by the NCAA.
Timeline
June 2026: Nemanja Popović enrolled at the University of Memphis.
July 6, 2026: Popović began participating in team workouts.
October 23, 2026: Popović recorded 12 points in a win over Mississippi State.
October 26, 2026: The NCAA announced the eligibility ruling and suspension.
November 2, 2026: The Memphis season opener against Iowa State is scheduled.
Season Trajectory
This eligibility determination follows established NCAA review protocols regarding international professional participation. The outcome highlights how the regulatory certification process directly impacts roster management during the preseason transition.
The six-game suspension removes a key rotation player for early matchups including the season opener against Iowa State. Fans should monitor the status of the appeal to determine if Popović will be available for the upcoming non-conference schedule.
The takeaway
The eligibility ruling creates immediate uncertainty regarding the team's depth for the opening weeks of the season. Success in the upcoming appeal could significantly bolster the roster as the squad heads into early tournament play.
Further reading
For more on the current team status, visit the Basketball page.
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Should college athletes be suspended for games due to their prior professional experience?
