COLLEGE BASKETBALL : REPORT: CAMBY GOT MONEY, GIFTS WHILE AT UMASS.

Byline: Associated Press 

Marcus Camby, the national Player of the Year, accepted money and gifts, including expensive jewelry, from agents while playing for the University of Massachusetts, The Hartford Courant reported today.

Camby, who entered the NBA draft after his junior season, told the Courant he accepted cash from one agent and jewelry from friends that another agent bought.

Camby is attending the NBA predraft testing in Rosemont, Ill., and is projected as one of the first three picks in the June 26 draft.

His eyes swollen with tears, Camby made the admissions from his airport hotel room.

``I know that's wrong,'' he said. ``I really wasn't thinking. The opportunity was just there and I took it.''

However, Camby's representative, James Bryant of ProServ, said Monday night the 6-foot-11 center ``alleged that he never received any such benefits and any reports to the contrary are false.''

Bryant said Camby did receive $1,000 after the season from an attorney, but categorically denied receiving anything from any agent or representative before then.

``These allegations stem from a failed attempt by an agent to (blackmail) a fine young man into signing with him,'' Bryant said.

Accepting such inducements from prospective agents is against NCAA rules and could result in penalties against Massachusetts, which reached the Final Four this season for the first time. NCAA enforcement officials could not be reached for comment.

Camby, a Hartford native, said two friends also accepted money, merchandise and rental cars from one of the agents during the 1995-96 season with Camby's knowledge. This also violates NCAA rules.

He detailed his dealings with agents when questioned by the Courant, which obtained documents and information provided by a source.

Camby, 22, said the agents were trying to get him to sign a contract for representation before he made himself eligible for the draft, the newspaper reported.

The first player taken will sign a contract worth $9.1 million over three years.

A Connecticut law passed in 1995 forbids agents from ``giving, offering or promising anything of value to an athlete before the athlete's eligibility expires.'' Violations of the law could lead to the revocation of the agent's license.