Memphis' James Wiseman (32) is congratulated by D.J. Jeffries during the first half of a college basketball game early this season. The sport's No. 1 recruit has received a temporary restraining order to play while challenging an NCAA ruling that he is ineligible due to a recruiting violation.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The feel-good season for No. 14 Memphis plunged into uncertainty Friday after the school said second-year coach and former NBA star Penny Hardaway gave more than $11,000 to the family of top prospect James Wiseman, who got a court order allowing him to play while the university tries to restore his eligibility in the eyes of the NCAA.

Memphis issued an extraordinary statement less than an hour before the Tigers played Illinois-Chicago at home, saying Wiseman was going to be kept out of games based on interpretation of a rule by the NCAA until the temporary restraining order obtained by Wiseman’s attorney Leslie Ballin late Friday afternoon.

“The University is currently working with the NCAA staff to restore his playing status, and we are hopeful for a speedy resolution to the matter,” the statement said.

The 7-foot-1 Wiseman was on the court Friday night for the national anthem and introduced with the starting lineup. Wiseman had three points and four blocks as Memphis jumped to a 30-13 lead.

Memphis said Wiseman — the potential No. 1 pick in the NBA draft next June — was declared eligible by the NCAA in May. The university and the NCAA found Hardaway gave $11,500 in moving expenses to help Wiseman’s family move to Memphis.