Texas sophomore guard Myck Kabongo has been questioned by NCAA investigators about his relationship Rich Paul, who represents LeBron James, a Longhorns men’s basketball spokesman said.
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 Paul, who his James’ close friend and agent. Yahoo! reported that Paul called NBA front offices on behalf of Kabongo before the 2012 draft. Usually, when players probe their stock in the draft, the college coach or someone associated with the school makes the inquiry.
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.
James and Paul met when the former was a teenager and quickly formed a strong relationship. By the time James reached the NBA in 2003, Paul had become one of his closest friends and confidants. When James left Goodwin and formed his own marketing company, LRMR, Paul became a business partner.
Paul represents two former Longhorns, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph, Yahoo! reported.
