Texas' Kabongo still out, awaits call on eligibility

Texas sophomore guard Myck Kabongo will not play in the Longhorns' season opener against Fresno State on Friday as he continues to await a decision from the NCAA on his eligibility.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas sophomore guard Myck Kabongo will not play in the Longhorns' season opener Friday against Fresno State as he waits for the NCAA's decision on his eligibility.

A Texas spokesperson announced Thursday the school's decision to keep Kabongo sidelined.

"Until we hear from (the NCAA) we'll continue to keep him out of games," coach Rick Barnes said. "One thing we would never do is do something that would jeopardize the team because if you play a guy who is later ruled ineligible, they take away those games."

Kabongo is being investigated for possibly receiving improper benefits and for his relationship with agent Rich Paul. He has practiced with the Longhorns this fall but was held out of their preseason scrimmages against Davidson and Gonzaga.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard was named to the preseason All-Big 12 team after averaging 9.6 points and 5.2 assists last season.

With Kabongo out, guard Javan Felix is expected to replace him in Texas' starting lineup. The true freshman from New Orleans scored 24 points in the Longhorns' scrimmage against Davidson.

"We've got nine guys we've recruited and all nine of them want to play," Barnes said.

Barnes also said forward Jaylen Bond, Texas' top rebounder, won't play against Fresno State after injuring his right ankle in practice this week.

"Jaylen's our best rebounder and we'll need someone, or a group, to take care of that," Barnes said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.