The first of three trials alleging dirty dealings in college basketball kicks off Monday — and it will be a “litmus test” for proceedings involving coaches such as ex-NBA star Chuck “The Rifleman” Connors Person, said a lawyer involved in one case.

The Manhattan federal court trial centers on allegations that Adidas executive James Gatto and consultant Merl Code broke the law by funneling secret payments to families of high-school students in exchange for the teens’ commitments to play for colleges the sportswear giant sponsors.

Aspiring sports agent Christian Dawkins and financial adviser Munish Sood helped broker some payments in exchange for promises the teens would use their services upon turning pro, the feds say.

Next year, four assistant coaches, including Person, are to go on trial in the schemes to pay players’ families.

A lawyer for one coach told The Post the trial starting this week would be a “litmus test.’’

“The conduct charged is nothing new in the NCAA, it’s shocking that it’s even going to trial,’’ said the lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity.