UF basketball gains 2012 commitment

<p>Florida's first basketball commitment of the 2012 class is an honors student who sings in his dad's church choir.</p><p> Just don't ask Tampa Plant standout shooting guard Michael Frazier to audition for American Idol any time soon.</p><p> "I'm more of a group singer," Frazier said with a chuckle. "Not a solo guy."</p><p> The smooth-shooting, 6-foot-4 Frazier made a verbal pledge to the Gators on Tuesday, the second day of his junior year in high school.</p><p> "I really love coach (Billy) Donovan," said Frazier, who made an unofficial visit to Florida last week. "He's a proven winner. I feel very comfortable with him and the Florida program."</p><p> Rivals.com rated Frazier as the 72nd best prospect in the Class of 2012 and the 13th best shooting guard. Frazier's AAU coach, Florida Elite coach Conrad Foss, said Frazier has developed deep shooting range out to 25 feet.</p><p> "He's the best shooter ever to come out of our program," Foss said. "And with those perimeter skills he's become much better at putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. He's becoming a complete player."</p><p> The current knock on Frazier is his defense. It's an area where the 180-pound Frazier said he intends to improve the final two years in high school. Frazier said defense is going to be a major point of emphasis this season with Plant High coach Mike Phillips.</p><p> "Coach Phillips, he's really going to push me on defense this season," Frazier said. "I'm looking forward to it."</p><p> Born in Gainesville, Frazier said he grew up dreaming of playing for the Gators. His family moved from Gainesville when he was younger and have settled in Tampa. His father, also named Michael, is a pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Tampa.</p><p> "Growing up, I've always been involved in the church," Frazier said.</p><p> At Plant, Frazier maintains a 4.0 grade point average.</p><p> "My parents stay on me all of the time about my grades," Frazier said. "I don't want to let them down."</p><p> Frazier, who picked Florida over FSU, Miami, Alabama and Arkansas, said committing early will give him a chance to study the Gators the next two seasons to see where he fits in. Even though Frazier is projected to play the same position as 2011 standout verbal pledge BradBeal, he said he's looking forward to the chance to compete for playing time.</p><p> "He's going to be a year older than me, so he'll have that advantage," Frazier said. "But I'll try to give him a run for his money."</p><p>Contact Kevin Brockway at 352-374-5054 or brockwk@gvillesun.com. Also check out Brockway's blog at Gatorsports.com</p>