Sophomore point guard Myck Kabongo will not play in the Texas Longhorns season opener against the Fresno St. Bulldogs, per the university. Kabongo is currently under investigation by the NCAA for alleged improper benefits. There has not yet been a resolution in the case.
#UT announces Myck Kabongo won't play in Friday's opener. NCAA hasn't yet ruled on investigation into trip to Cleveland.
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) November 8, 2012
Basically, even though the NCAA hasn't said Kabongo is ineligible, UT can't play him until he's cleared. Risk forfeiting games otherwise.
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) November 8, 2012
When the NCAA does finally makes its ruling, games that Kabongo sat out will count towards his time served. Until then, don't look for #12 on the court. Kabongo's backup is true freshman Javan Felix, who presumably will make his first career start this Friday.
Texas could also elect to start shooting guard Julien Lewis at the 1, shifting small forward Sheldon McClellan to the 2 and going with a bigger starting frontcourt. It's not ideal for the Longhorns to be without the services of their expected leader, but hopefully head coach Rick Barnes uses this time wisely, developing other talents while still racking up wins.