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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 has not been named by the NCAA, was found to have accepted between $18,150 and $22,000 in bribes from two financial advisors. The NCAA ruled the coach influenced student-athletes to retain the advisors’ services once the student-athletes entered the NBA.
In addition to the one-year postseason ban, the program has been assessed a $10,000 fine, docked three scholarships from the 2020-21 season to the 2022-23 season and has been placed on probation for three years among other charges.
The postseason ban for the 2020-21 season could have a rather significant impact on the program as it means prized five-star signee Cade Cunningham will not have the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament.
After signing with the Cowboys in November, it is unclear if Cunningham will stay with the program or consider his options and opt to go with a different school. Cunningham could also look at forgoing college and sign with the NBA G League.
The NCAA Tournament has helped several players over the years improve their stock in the NBA Draft. Of course, Cunningham is considered to be the top prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft so not playing in the NCAA Tournament may not be that detrimental to his stock.
The collective college basketball community will be closely monitoring the situation.
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