The relationship between Rich Paul, the agent of Spurs guard Cory Joseph and reigning NBA MVP LeBron James, and University of Texas guard Myck Kabongo is being investigated by the NCAA, late Wednesday evening.
Joseph played at UT during the 2010-11 season. Paul represents another former Longhorn, Cleveland forward Tristan Thompson. Paul told Yahoo! that he met Kabongo, a sophomore who averaged 9.6 points per game as a freshman, through Joseph and Thompson.
“I haven’t been contacted by the NCAA and I wouldn’t put a kid in harm’s way,” Paul said. “I would never disrespect anybody’s program. I love the game of basketball. I understand the business of basketball, but I’m about doing it the right way.”
UT spokesman Scott McConnell confirmed that the NCAA has interviewed Kabongo but declined further comment.
A key element of the NCAA’s probe is whether Paul facilitated Kabongo’s visit to Cleveland this spring, during which he had at least one session with a New York-based professional trainer. The potential issue is who paid for Kabongo’s travel and expenses, and whether the trainer provided his services without cost.