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The NCAA on Friday 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.
Evans was sentenced to three months in jail for his role in the situation.
Oklahoma State is expected to immediately appeal the ruling but the postseason ban could be potentially devastating for the program and the future of five-star prospect Cade Cunningham, who signed with the Cowboys in November 2019.
Following the NCAA ruling, speculation began to swirl on social media that Cunningham could look to transfer. Cunningham has not yet publicly addressed his future but he is expected to weigh all of his options, which could include another school or signing with the NBA G League.
Among the schools that could have a chance to land him is Kentucky. The Wildcats were previously among the schools involved in the recruitment of Cunningham and will reportedly be “front and center” to land him should he decide to transfer, according to Gary Parrish of CBS Sports.
Cowboys head coach Mike Boynton addressed the ruling on Friday in a conference call with reporters, saying that he will continue to support Cunningham in his decision, via Kentucky Sports Radio.
We’re gonna have conversations over the next few days, probably weeks, and we’re gonna try to look at all the options, whatever they are: G League, overseas, another university, stay at Oklahoma State. At the end of the day, whatever his family and he decide is best for his future, I’m gonna get right in tow with that and I’m going to support him 100%.
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.
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