NCAA raises criteria for draft-eligible agents

The NCAA has made it more difficult for agents to represent NBA draft-eligible prospects after implementing a certification program effective immediately.

Prospective agents must now have a bachelor's degree, be NBPA certified for at least three consecutive years and in good standing, maintain professional liability insurance, and submit their application by Sept. 30, according to the NCAA.

After fulfilling those prerequisites, all candidates must go through an application process that includes disclosing conflicts of interest, a background check, a non-refundable fee, and an in-person exam.

"Men's basketball student-athletes who are considering careers in professional basketball but who may want to return to school are only permitted to accept permissible agent services from NCAA-certified agents with a signed agent agreement," according to a memo from the NCAA obtained by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie.

"It is important to remember that a men's basketball student-athlete cannot enter into an agent agreement until after his team's season has concluded, and the student-athlete has requested an evaluation from the NBA undergrad advisory committee."

Under such rules, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group would be ineligible to represent athletes looking to test the draft waters because he doesn't have a bachelor's or law degree.

The NCAA denies that their actions are directed at Paul and claim they're "protecting the eligibility of their client athletes," according to the memo.

Paul's most notable client and close friend, LeBron James, wasn't buying the NCAA's explanation.