Former Louisville recruit Brian Bowen said he “was shocked” to learn he was part of the FBI’s investigation into wrongdoing in college basketball.

Interviewed Thursday by ESPN, Bowen denied having any knowledge of an alleged payment to steer him toward Louisville. Federal documents contend Adidas funneled $100,000 to an unnamed player, later identified as Bowen, to sign with the Cardinals.

That request for the money reportedly came from a Louisville coach. The FBI said Bowen’s father, Brian Sr. accepted the money.

“I didn’t believe it at all,” Bowen said of being mentioned in the investigation. “They have to be lying. There’s no way I’m involved in it.”

Bowen explained he didn’t commit to Louisville until early June.

He had previously told Arizona coach Sean Miller he would join the Wildcats, assuming either Allonzo Trier or Rawle Alkins departed early for the NBA. Neither did, however, Alkins waiting until late May to finally announce his decision.

USC’s Melton ineligible: USC ruled sophomore guard De’Anthony Melton ineligible and will no longer allow him to travel with the team, at least temporarily, according to Melton’s attorney and confirmed by the school.

Melton has not played in the Trojans’ first 10 games of the season as a precaution for what the school initially called “a potential issue regarding eligibility,” but he had been allowed to travel with the team until Wednesday, when USC departed for three games in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

USC has not shared with Melton what the new information is or how it was obtained, according to his attorney, Vicki Podberesky.

Bland was arrested in October and pleaded not guilty in November to four charges relating to bribery and wire fraud.

Gonzaga upset: Senior Trey Kell scored 10 of his 14 points in the final 2 minutes, 56 seconds and redshirt freshman Jalen McDaniels had 15 points and 10 rebounds as San Diego State upset No. 12 Gonzaga 72-70. News services