The NCAA has denied a waiver for 27-year-old DeAndre Williams to play another season for Memphis basketball. 

Williams, the oldest player in Division I last season, was seeking a sixth year of eligibility. 

“We are extremely disappointed a waiver for an additional year of eligibility for DeAndre Williams was denied, which came following a request for reconsideration of the initial denial and then an appeal,” Memphis athletics said in a statement Friday.

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Williams was seeking a sixth-year after sitting out his freshman season at Evansville in 2018-19 as a year-in-residence, according to the Associated Press. 

“We felt the evidence about academic misadvisement prior to his initial collegiate enrollment that was uncovered and provided to the NCAA was sufficient to grant this waiver, and we also strongly believed the depth of additional information shared with the NCAA on an ongoing basis would be on DeAndre’s side,” the Memphis athletics statement continued. 

“Unfortunately, after multiple months of back-and-forth, the NCAA arrived at a different conclusion. We appreciate DeAndre’s contributions to our men’s basketball program over the past two-and-a-half years, and he will always be a Memphis Tiger. Nevertheless, we are very much looking forward to an exciting season on the court for our men’s basketball team.”

DeAndre Williams, #12 of the Memphis Tigers, celebrates after beating the Cincinnati Bearcats 75-68 at Fifth Third Arena on January 22, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

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Williams’ first college basketball season was the 2019-20 college basketball season, where he averaged 15.2 points per game in 18 games with Evansville. He transferred to Memphis, where he averaged over 27 minutes per game for the last three years. 

Last season, Williams earned first-team all-AAC honor after averaging 17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists. 

After the Tigers lost to FAU in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, it appeared that Williams was done playing college basketball. His mother told The Commercial Appeal that Williams was “not coming back.” 

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DeAndre Williams, #12 of the Memphis Tigers, sits in the huddle during the first half of a game against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 17, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

One day later, Williams said he was exploring a return to Memphis. 

“If the opportunity to return existed, I would welcome it and be proud to suit up for the Tigers in 2023-24,” Williams said in a statement to the publication. 

Williams, who turned 27 in October, will no longer have the opportunity to suit up for Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway as he enters his sixth season as head coach of the Tigers. 

Memphis opens the 2023-24 season against Jackson State on Monday. 

George Pickens enjoyed a productive career during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Pickens last year in the second round, and he finished his rookie year with 801 receiving yards. However, his emotions appeared to get the best of him this week following a victory over the Tennessee Titans. 

Despite winning the game, Pickens had a rather forgettable performance. He finished the night with two catches for -1 yard on five targets. He later posted, “Free me” on his Instagram Story, according to Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan. 

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As of Saturday, the 22-year-old seems to not be following teammates Diontae Johnson and quarterback Kenny Pickett. It is unclear whether he was following Johnson and Pickett prior to Thursday’s game.

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Pickens’ stat line on Thursday was in line with a recent trend over the past couple of games. He has a total of three catches in the Steelers last two games. He hauled in one pass for 22 yards in Week 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pickens showed a knack for making explosive plays during his days at the college football level, and his athleticism should be able to continue to shine at the NFL level. The star wide receiver seems anxious to consistently have the opportunity to put his play making ability on full display, but he also seems frustrated with how he is being used in the Steelers’ offense. 

George Pickens, #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, scores a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Pickens has already racked up a total of 521 yards this season, which puts him on pace for more than 1,000 receiving yards. He put together back-to-back 100-yard games earlier this season.

This latest social media post is not the first time Pickens has been vocal about his frustrations. Last season, camera captured Pickens yelling, “Throw me the f—ing ball” during a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

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Longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will likely address Pickens’ social media post next week during his media availability. Pittsburgh improved to 5-3 following the win over Tennessee.