Monmouth Basketball's Kavion McClain Glad to Be Back After NCAA Benching

McClain missed 23 games due to an NCAA investigation but is now eligible to compete again.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Monmouth basketball's Kavion McClain, a 5-foot-8 senior point guard, sat out most of the season due to an NCAA investigation for a possible rules infraction. After missing 23 games, McClain was finally cleared to return to action last week and made his season debut in a narrow victory over Stony Brook, playing 36 minutes and scoring 14 points. While the NCAA 'process is still ongoing,' McClain is now eligible to compete for Monmouth as they push for a championship and NCAA tournament berth.

Why it matters

McClain's return is a major boost for the Monmouth basketball team, who have faced adversity this season due to the uncertainty around their starting point guard. As a skilled shooter, ball-handler, and defender, McClain's presence on the court could be the difference-maker as Monmouth tries to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.

The details

McClain, a 24-year-old senior, transferred to Monmouth this season after previously playing at Abilene Christian University. In January, one of McClain's former Abilene Christian teammates was charged in a federal indictment for a point-shaving scheme, but the court documents did not implicate McClain. After a meeting with the NCAA last week, Monmouth was informed that McClain was cleared to compete, even though the 'process is still ongoing.' In his season debut against Stony Brook, McClain played 36 minutes, scored 14 points, and had 5 assists, helping Monmouth secure a narrow 76-75 victory.

  • McClain sat out 23 games due to the NCAA investigation.
  • McClain made his season debut on February 9, 2026.
  • Monmouth's next game is on February 12, 2026 against Drexel.

The players

Kavion McClain

A 5-foot-8 senior point guard for the Monmouth basketball team who previously played at Abilene Christian University.

King Rice

The head coach of the Monmouth basketball team, who has praised McClain's defensive abilities and compared him to the program's all-time leading scorer.

Jen Sansevero

The Athletic Director at Monmouth University, who stated that the NCAA has cleared McClain to compete while the 'process is still ongoing.'

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What they’re saying

“Me and my brother started that motto couple years ago - blind grind. We don't know what's out there for us but we're just going to continue to grind forward. So that was just my whole thing going into this whole process.”

— Kavion McClain, Monmouth Basketball Player (app.com)

“We had a meeting with the NCAA last week and they informed us that Kavion was permitted to compete even though the process is still ongoing. So at this point in time he is eligible to compete for Monmouth. That's all I can share and that's all the information I have.”

— Jen Sansevero, Monmouth Athletic Director (app.com)

“Defensively, Kavion's a tough guy to get around and he can be an all-league defender.”

— King Rice, Monmouth Basketball Head Coach (app.com)

What’s next

McClain will play in his second game back on February 12, 2026 when Monmouth takes on Drexel.

The takeaway

McClain's return to the Monmouth basketball team after a lengthy NCAA investigation is a major boost as they push for a conference championship and NCAA tournament berth. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities make him a key piece for the Monmouth squad.