Myck Kabongo suspension reduced to 23 games by NCAA

The NCAA announced on Friday that it has reduced the suspension of Texas Longhorns sophomore guard Myck Kabongo to 23 games following an expedited appeal filed by the university on Thursday. Originally, Kabongo was ordered to miss the rest of the season.

The 23-game suspension for unethical conduct comes as a result of Kabongo receiving airfare and personal training instruction, as well as providing false and misleading information during two separate interviews with university officials. Kabongo must also repay $475 worth of impermissible benefits to charity.

The suspension includes a self-imposed 10-game withholding condition by the university as a part of its request to re-instate Kabongo's eligibility which was filed on Dec. 19.

Texas coach Rick Barnes issued a statement regarding the suspension, per Adam Winkler of KEYE television.

"We couldn’t ask for a guy with better character in the way he has handled this situation. From the end of basketball season last year and throughout the spring, he brought a whole different approach to our program. Despite what happened, he has been a great leader for this team and we will count on him to continue that as we move forward," Barnes said. "When I talked to him tonight after the decision had been made, Myck’s thoughts were only about our team and our program. That is a tribute to Myck and his family, and it tells you everything you need to know about Myck.”

Kabongo has not appeared in a game for the Longhorns this season after averaging 9.6 points and 5.2 assists in 34 games as a freshman last season. The Longhorns' 2011-12 campaign ended with a loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.