[jwplayer 0CLgJGNV]
Five-star prospect Cade Cunningham announced Monday on Twitter that he remains committed to playing next season at Oklahoma State University despite recent NCAA sanctions against the school.
The NCAA this month issued a one-year postseason ban to the Oklahoma State men’s basketball program after it ruled a former coach accepted bribes to influence student-athletes.
The coach, who was identified as Lamont Evans, was found to have accepted between $18,150 and $22,000 in bribes from two financial advisors. The NCAA ruled that Evans influenced student-athletes to retain the advisors’ services once the student-athletes entered the NBA.
Oklahoma State immediately filed an appeal to the NCAA.
Once the NCAA issued its decision against Oklahoma State, speculation began to swirl that Cunningham could look to transfer to a different school or opt to play professionally in the NBA G League or National Basketball League in Australia.
On Monday, Cunningham ended that speculation on social media.
Loyalty: It is more than a word, it’s an action. It’s standing by the people you started with. It’s showing up even when times are hard. It’s believing in the people who always believed in you. It’s a commitment. Now more than ever, I’m loyal and true. I’m committed. Stillwater: Let’s work.
Unswerving in allegiance. pic.twitter.com/tuhcIWhTWh
— Cade Cunningham (@CadeCunningham_) June 22, 2020
Cowboys head coach Mike Boynton said this month that he would continue to support Cunningham in exploring his options as Kentucky was viewed as the favorite to land his services. Now, Cunningham will report to Stillwater as he originally decided.
Cunningham is considered to be the top prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft after an impressive run with the Montverde Academy, which was considered the best high school team of all-time.
[lawrence-related id=18750,18726,18704]
[vertical-gallery id=14282]