Report: NCAA Investigating Kansas’ Cliff Alexander for Impermissible Benefits

The NCAA is investigating whether the family of Kansas freshman forward Cliff Alexander received impermissible benefits, according to a report from Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports.

From Forde:

Alexander has not yet been interviewed by the NCAA, sources said, though not because of a reluctance by either the school or NCAA investigators. Sources said legal counsel has been retained by the Alexander family and that may be slowing the investigative process.

Alexander will not be reinstated until after an NCAA interview occurs and a decision is made on whether benefits received by his family are impermissible. If it is ruled that a violation occurred, Alexander’s eligibility for the remainder of the season could be affected.

Mike Oliver, who coached the five-star recruit in Chicago at Curie High School, told Yahoo Sports Thursday that he visited Alexander Feb. 21 when the Jayhawks played TCU and was concerned.

“I knew something wasn’t right,” Oliver said. “He just wasn’t Cliff.”

The 6-foot-9 Alexander, who has sat out the Jayhawks’ last two games, is averaging 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. He is projected as the No. 21 pick in the NBA Draft by DraftExpress.com.