Memphis’ Nemanja Popovic Must Sit Six Games After NCAA Rejects Appeal

Memphis basketball player Nemanja Popovic must sit out six games after the NCAA rejected the university’s appeal of his withholding period, the school announced Monday.

The decision came from the NCAA Athletics and Eligibility Subcommittee, which is composed of representatives from the association’s membership. Memphis said the six-game period would begin with its November 2 season opener against Iowa State.

The university also said its compliance staff had secured two seasons of eligibility for Popovic. That leaves two separate parts of his status: the amount of college eligibility available to him and the games he must miss before he can participate.

Memphis expressed disappointment with the appeal decision while crediting its compliance staff for the eligibility outcome. The university published a delayed-enrollment withholding chart alongside its statement.

The announcement concerns an NCAA eligibility requirement rather than a suspension imposed by Memphis for breaking team rules. The school did not announce a different withholding period after the appeal was denied.

The ruling comes as eligibility decisions shape rosters at the beginning of the college basketball season.