NCAA Investigating Texas Point Guard Myck Kabongo

After returning to Texas for his sophomore season, expectations are through the roof for Longhorns’ point guard Myck Kabongo.

On Wednesday however, just two days before the official start of practice, reports emerged that the NCAA is investigating Kabongo for possible impermissible benefits. The star guard’s relationship with Rich Paul, a notable sports agent and current representative of NBA MVP LeBron James, is what is in question.

In addition to James, Paul also represents former Texas stars Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph.

“We’re aware of the situation,” Texas basketball media relations official Scott McConnell told Yahoo Sports!. “But we have not heard any decisions from the NCAA.”

Paul was also reached by Yahoo Sports! for comment saying that his relationship with Kabongo is not meant to jeopardize his career or the program at Texas in anyway. By NCAA rule, an agent is allowed to have a relationship with a collegiate player and/or his family, but is not allowed to provide financial benefits. If anything is found to be in violation of that rule, Kabongo would be deemed ineligible immediately, a blow that could be devastating to the Longhorn’s back court.

While the NCAA investigation is exactly that, there is no official word on Kabongo’s status outside of the established connection to Paul. The University of Texas is aware of the ongoing situation and will likely be working with the NCAA moving forward in the investigation.

Kabongo is looking to make an increased leap from a season ago, a year in which he averaged 9.6 points, 5.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. Head coach Rick Barnes has a thin back court with loss of J’Covan Brown and Sterling Gibbs‘ decision to transfer to Seton Hall.

More news can certainly be expected to emerge as things progress forward from these initial reports.

 

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