Ayrton Oneill
Billy Preston is a basketball player who has had a tumultuous career. From a promising start as a five-star recruit, he committed to Kansas but never played a game due to an NCAA investigation into eligibility issues and alleged corruption. He then left for Bosnia but soon returned to the US, signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-way contract for the 2018-19 season. Since then, he has played for various teams in Australia, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa, but his career has been marked by further setbacks and short stints with different teams.
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What You'll Learn
Billy Preston's career began with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Preston's name was one of a record-high 236 underclassmen to declare entry for the 2018 NBA draft. On July 6, 2018, it was announced that he had signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers, meaning he would split his playing time between them and their NBA G League affiliate, the Canton Charge, for the 2018-19 season. The contract also extended into the 2019-2020 season.
Preston's journey to the NBA began as a kid who loved to play basketball. Through hard work, practice, and luck, he became one of the top NBA prospects in the country. Preston's parents were also committed to his success, willing to do what it took to support his dream. However, his path to the NBA was not without controversy. While still in college, Preston was involved in a car accident on the KU campus in November 2017, which triggered an NCAA investigation into the "financial picture" of the vehicle.
Preston left Kansas in January 2018 in the middle of the 2017-18 season due to frustration over the investigation and played professionally in Bosnia for Igokea Laktaši of the ABA League and Bosnian League. However, he only played in three ABA League games before leaving due to a sore shoulder. Despite the setbacks, Preston's talent was recognized by the Cavaliers, and he earned a spot on their roster, marking the beginning of his NBA career.
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He was involved in a car accident at KU campus
Billy Preston, a former Kansas men's basketball player, never got to play in a single collegiate game due to his involvement in an NCAA investigation that was triggered by a car accident on the KU campus on November 8, 2017.
Preston was a highly touted prospect who committed to play for the Kansas Jayhawks in 2016. However, his career with the Jayhawks was cut short before it even began due to the aforementioned accident and the subsequent investigation.
On the day of the incident, Preston was driving back to the KU campus when he lost control of his vehicle and spun out. While there were no personal injuries reported, the accident triggered an NCAA investigation into the "financial picture" of the vehicle. It is important to note that at the time, the NCAA was already investigating major possible eligibility violations in college basketball, with prominent programs like Kansas under scrutiny.
The investigation into Preston and the Kansas program centred around alleged illicit payments made by Adidas and an Adidas associate, TJ Gassnola, to Preston's family. Specifically, it was alleged that Gassnola paid around $89,000 to Preston's mother, Nicole Player. While Gassnola testified in 2018 that he hid the payments from the Kansas coaching staff, Preston alleged in a 2023 interview that the coaches were indeed aware of the payments.
As a result of the investigation and his frustration with how it was handled, Preston left Kansas in January 2018 without ever playing a game for the Jayhawks. He signed with a professional team in Bosnia, effectively ending his collegiate eligibility.
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An NCAA investigation into the financial picture of the vehicle
Billy Preston, a former basketball player for the Kansas Jayhawks, was involved in a car accident on the KU campus in November 2017, which triggered an NCAA investigation into the financial picture of the vehicle. The investigation centred around understanding the financial circumstances surrounding the vehicle and Preston's involvement in the accident.
The NCAA, or the National Collegiate Athletic Association, has specific financial reporting requirements for its members. According to Article 2(D)(1)(c) of the NCAA constitution, all members must submit annual financial data as determined by their division. This financial data provides insight into the financial health and stability of the organisation and its members.
In the case of Billy Preston, the investigation was likely focused on understanding the ownership, funding, and insurance related to the vehicle. It is common for the NCAA to scrutinise such situations to ensure compliance with its regulations and to protect the integrity of college athletics. The investigation may have involved reviewing financial records, analysing insurance policies, and interviewing relevant individuals to establish a clear understanding of the financial picture associated with the vehicle.
The investigation had a notable impact on Preston's basketball career. Due to the ongoing inquiry, Preston was held out of the Kansas Jayhawks lineup indefinitely, and he ultimately left Kansas in the middle of the 2017-18 season out of frustration. Preston never played a game for the Jayhawks due to these eligibility issues, and he eventually took his talents to Bosnia, signing with Igokea Laktaši of the ABA League and Bosnian League in January 2018.
After a brief stint in Bosnia, Preston returned to the United States and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent in June 2018. He signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers, splitting his time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Canton Charge, for the 2018-19 season.
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He signed with the Cape Town Tigers in 2021 and returned in 2024
Billy Preston is an American professional basketball player. In September 2021, Preston signed with the Cape Town Tigers of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) ahead of the 2022 BAL season qualifiers. The Cape Town Tigers are a South African professional basketball team founded in Cape Town in 2019. Preston joined the Tigers' second roster in 2021, which included other American players like Davon Dillard, Shaq McFarlan, and Nigerian import Austin Ajukwa.
Preston helped the Tigers win their first national championship in 2021. He averaged 16.6 points and 9.4 rebounds in five qualifier games, and on April 12, 2022, he made his BAL debut against Zamalek, scoring a team-high 26 points. The Tigers went on to have their most successful BAL season in 2024, finishing fourth.
Preston returned for a second stint with the Cape Town Tigers in March 2024 for the 2024 BAL season. However, he was not on the roster for the playoffs, and on May 15, 2024, he signed with the Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League but did not play any games.
Preston's career began at the collegiate level, where he committed to the University of Kansas and played in the 2017 McDonald's All-American Boys Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. However, a car accident on campus and the subsequent NCAA investigation led to his departure from Kansas without playing any regular-season games. He then signed with Igokea Laktaši of the ABA League and Bosnian League in January 2018, making his professional debut soon after.
Preston has since played for various teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Canton Charge, the Erie BayHawks, and the Texas Legends. He has also competed in the National Basketball League of Australia and the Dominican Torneo de Baloncesto Superior (TBS).
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Billy Preston's parents were very supportive of his career
Billy Preston's parents played a significant role in supporting and shaping his basketball career. In a 30 for 30 ESPN podcast titled "The Bag Game", Preston's mother, Nicole Player, shared her unwavering commitment to her son's success. She expressed how she was willing to go to great lengths to support Preston's basketball dreams, even if it meant uprooting their entire lives. This level of dedication from his parents set the foundation for Preston's journey towards becoming one of the top NBA prospects in the country.
Preston's talent and potential were evident from an early age, and he quickly became a valuable commodity in the world of basketball. His exceptional skills attracted the attention of sneaker company executives, who eagerly followed his progress. Preston's parents, particularly his mother, played a pivotal role in navigating this complex and often challenging landscape. They advocated for their son, made sacrifices, and ensured he had the necessary resources and opportunities to develop his talent.
However, Preston's time at Kansas was marked by controversy and challenges. He faced eligibility issues and found himself at the centre of an NCAA investigation into alleged corruption within the program. The investigation centred around alleged payments made by Adidas to Preston's mother, with Preston claiming that the Kansas coaching staff was aware of these payments. This scandal had significant repercussions for Preston's career, as he never played a collegiate game with Kansas or any other school.
Despite the setbacks and controversies, Preston's parents remained steadfast in their support. They stood by his side during the investigations and the public scrutiny that followed. After leaving Kansas, Preston pursued professional opportunities in Bosnia and later signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his resilience and determination to continue his basketball career.
Throughout Preston's career, his parents provided emotional support and guidance, helping him navigate the highs and lows of the sports industry. Their influence and encouragement were instrumental in shaping his work ethic and attitude towards the game. While Preston faced challenges and made controversial decisions, the support of his parents remained a constant factor in his pursuit of basketball excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
Billy Preston's time at Kansas was short-lived due to an NCAA investigation into alleged corruption within the program. The investigation was triggered by a car accident on campus, which led to the discovery of alleged payments of $89,000 made by Adidas associate TJ Gassnola to Preston's family. Preston left Kansas in January 2018 without playing any regular-season games and subsequently played professionally in Bosnia.
Billy Preston declared for the 2018 NBA draft but went undrafted. However, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent and played for their NBA Summer League team.
After leaving Kansas, Billy Preston played for Igokea Laktaši in Bosnia. He then signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and played for their NBA G League affiliate, the Canton Charge. In 2019, he played for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League and the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian National Basketball League. He has also played for teams in the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and Canada.
