Memphis basketball freshman guard Daniel Vieira-Tuck is no longer with the Tigers, the program announced on Sept. 22. While his departure initially left fans questioning the sudden change, Vieira-Tuck quickly took to Instagram to explain the real reason behind the move: academic ineligibility.
Vieira-Tuck Addresses His Removal
In an Instagram story, Vieira-Tuck shared his side of the story, revealing that he was unable to compete at the Division 1 level this season.
“I couldn’t play nowhere D-1 the whole year anyway, because (I’ve been) academically deemed ineligible to play at any D-1 (program). So I will be playing NAIA this year,” Vieira-Tuck wrote.
His honesty provided clarity after the surprising announcement, with many Memphis fans eager to know why a talented freshman with international experience was suddenly leaving the roster.
A Promising Talent with International Experience
Although his time at Memphis has ended before it began, Vieira-Tuck remains a promising player with a unique background. The Arlington, Texas native has spent the last year competing with Overtime Elite’s Diamond Doves, gaining valuable exposure in a professional-style developmental program.
Before joining Overtime Elite, Vieira-Tuck played in Portugal with S.L. Benfica in the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol. There, he averaged 9.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, showing his ability to contribute in one of Europe’s respected professional leagues.
On the international stage, Vieira-Tuck also represented Portugal at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship. He impressed during the tournament, averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 steals, and 2.5 rebounds per game. His defensive impact and versatility stood out, signaling his potential to thrive at higher levels of competition.
Looking Ahead to His Next Chapter
Despite the setback, Vieira-Tuck is expected to continue his basketball career at the NAIA level, where he will be eligible to play immediately. While this is not the Division 1 stage that many anticipated for his freshman year, the move gives him the opportunity to keep developing his game while addressing the academic requirements needed for future eligibility.
His brief stint with Overtime Elite saw him average 2.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 9.5 minutes per game. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, his prior performances in Europe and with Portugal’s national team highlight the broader skill set he brings.
For Memphis, losing Vieira-Tuck means moving forward without a guard who could have provided international experience and depth in the backcourt. For Vieira-Tuck, however, it represents a chance to reset, regroup, and prepare for what could still be a bright career in basketball.
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Daniel Vieira-Tuck’s unexpected departure from Memphis wasn’t about effort, discipline, or team issues, it came down to academics. By taking control of the narrative through his own statement, he gave fans and the college basketball world a clearer picture of his circumstances.
Now, his journey continues at the NAIA level, where he has the chance to prove his talent and set himself up for future opportunities.