The American Conference became the latest in college sports to ban former professional athletes from inner-league competition Monday.
The league’s presidents, chancellors and athletic directors—including those from Memphis—unanimously adopted standards similar to the Big Ten, SEC and most other conferences pertaining to ex-pros attempting to return to college.
These new guidelines prevent American Conference schools from fielding players who have done the following.
• Declared for any professional or supplemental draft before exhausting eligibility and failed to withdraw in a timely manner consistent with NCAA requirements to retain eligibility.
• Signed a contract or binding agreement with a professional league, an affiliate, or any team that is a member of such a league.
• Been listed on the roster of a professional sports league, an affiliate, or a team that is a member of such a league, and practices or competes with that team.
The American@American_Conf
American Conference Policy Statement on Participation in Professional Sports.
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9:26 PM · Aug 31, 2026 · 97.6K Views
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One could think this spells disaster for Memphis basketball, since the Tigers hope that Serbian big man Nemanja Popović can lead their frontcourt this season.
But one key distinction in the American’s policy keeps the door open for the 24-year-old, who boasts eight years of professional experience overseas, to become eligible.
The new rules specifically apply to athletes who have “previously been enrolled full time at a college or university,” according to the league’s official statement. Popović doesn’t fall under that category, because he never joined a school prior to his enrollment at Memphis earlier this summer.
The American’s statement also says it will adhere to any future court rulings regarding student-athlete eligibility.
Popović’s polished skillset and fearless demeanor have particularly served him well over the last two seasons. He spent this past year at King Wilki Morskie Szczecin in the Polish Basketball League (PLK), the highest-tier level of Polish basketball, where he averaged 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and a block on 54.7% shooting in 26 appearances and earned All-PLK Team honors.
Popović enjoyed his best professional campaign with KK Vršac in the Basketball League of Serbia (KLS) in 2024-25. The 6-foot-8 forward tallied 18.2 points and 7.4 boards per game on 62.9% shooting, winning the league’s MVP award and leading his club to the No. 1 seed in the KLS playoffs.
Popović arrived on campus in July and has practiced with Penny Hardaway’s club ever since.
“It’s a blessing (to have Popović), because he’s experienced. He’s older, he’s experienced, he’s not afraid, he’s very aggressive and he knows how to play the game,” Hardaway told reporters following an open practice on July 23. “Adding an addition to the team that understands the game and that can play the game at a high level is always welcome. It’s great to have Pop here.”
Memphis is confident that Popović will eventually gain eligibility, according to multiple sources. But the Tigers still have yet to either formally announce his signing with the program or list him on their roster, largely because his status remains up in the air.
Hardaway currently has no timetable for a potential NCAA decision regarding Popović.
“I’m just leaving it up to compliance,” Hardaway said on Aug. 12. “We’ll hear when you hear.”
Memphis begins the 2026-27 season against Iowa State on Nov. 2 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
