Texas Confirms NCAA Probing Kabongo Eligibility

October 11, 2012 6:17 AM

Myck Kabongo of the Texas Longhorns reacts to play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

AUSTIN (AP) - NCAA investigators have questioned Texas sophomore guard Myck Kabongo about his relationship with a professional agent, a Longhorns basketball spokesman said Wednesday night.

Texas spokesman Scott McConnell said Kabongo has talked with investigators but is in school and practicing with the team. Kabongo has not been declared ineligible and the school compliance department is communicating with the NCAA, McConnell said.

Yahoo! Sports first reported the probe into Kabongo’s relationship with Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent. Yahoo! reported that Paul called NBA front offices on behalf of Kabongo before the 2012 draft. Kabongo chose to stay with Texas instead of entering the draft.

Yahoo! reported the NCAA is also investigating whether Paul was involved in a trip to Cleveland last spring that included at least one workout with professional trainer Jerry Powell, and who paid for the trip and the workout.

“We are aware of the situation,” McConnell said. “We have not heard any decisions from the NCAA.”

Later Wednesday night, Kabongo tweeted, “HUGE reach.”

Kabongo started 34 games for Texas last season. He was third on the team in scoring at 9.6 points per game and led the Longhorns by averaging 5.2 assists. He has been projected as a possible first-round draft pick in 2013. He could be declared ineligible if the NCAA determines he received improper benefits from an agent.

Paul represents two former Longhorns, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph, Yahoo! reported.

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