Horns face another key test today

Basketball

The suspension was reduced to 23 games after an appeal to the Division I Committee on StudentAthlete Reinstatement.

The NCAA ruled that Kabongo must miss those games for unethical conduct. He must also repay approximately $475 in impermissible benefits to a charity of his choice. The suspension includes the 10 games UT withheld Kabongo from competition as a part of its request to reinstate Kabongo’s eligibility. Texas had hoped Kabongo would be allowed to return for the game the Longhorns won against North Carolina on Wednesday.

The suspension stems from a trip Kabongo took to Cleveland in May. The trip was paid for by an agent named Rich Paul, who represents Miami Heat star LeBron James as well as two of Kabongo’s former Longhorn teammates, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph.

Back in October, the Akron Beacon-Journal reported that Thompson said he paid for the trip and was reimbursed by Kabongo’s brother.

Regardless, the Longhorns must play 12 more games without Kabongo. Earlier this week Barnes — with the Longhorns having created a pretty steep climb for themselves toward a 15th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance with a 7-4 start — found an example of perseverance that works for him.

“I think our volleyball team had to play a team that finished sixth in their