Josh Pastner broke a rule recruiting Trevor Mbakwe

Trevor Mbakwe, a 6'8", 240 lb, power forward who has spent time at both Marquette and Miami-Dade CC, was supposed to provide Minnesota with some size, strength, and energy up front.

Mbakwe never was able to step on the court for Minnesota, however. You see, he is facing some pretty serious assault charges in Florida stemming from his time at Miami-Dade, and as they did with Royce White, Minnesota refused to allow him to play until the legal situation is cleared up.

His court date is August 23rd.

But that hasn't stopped Mbakwe from asking Minnesota for a release from his scholarship pending an NCAA waiver that would allow him to play elsewhere next season. One of the places he has been recruited by is Memphis, who will be loaded in the back court next season, but could use some front court depth.

Tubby Smith knows about this recruitment.

He also knows that Josh Pastner has committed a violation during the process.

You see, coaches are only allowed to watch recruits play at NCAA-certified events, events like Nike's Peach Jam or the AAU games being played out in Vegas this weekend. Mbakwe has been playing in the Howard Pulley Pro-Am in St. Paul, which he is allowed to do. But Pastner, on July 13th, went to see one of those games, which he is not allowed to do.

It is a relatively minor violation that Memphis has already reported to the NCAA and Conference USA. It seems to have stemmed from a miscommunication or a misunderstanding of the rules. Pastner called Smith to inform him of the violation.

I'd be surprised if the Tigers even got a slap on the wrist for this.