Former Gators Corey Brewer and Chris Richard said they weren’t surprised that sophomore center Marreese Speights put his name in for the NBA draft.
Both Richard and Brewer were in Orlando on Friday night, winding down their rookie seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I figured he’d test the waters,” Brewer said of Speights. “He has a chance to go pretty high. He’s talented and gifted.”
The 6-foot-10 Speights put his name in without an agent, meaning he can pull his name back and return to Florida before June 18.
“If he feels like he’s ready for it, and he feels like he can help his family, than it’s his decision,” said Richard, who stayed at Florida through his senior year.
Brewer said he was surprised that Florida didn’t make the NCAA Tournament this season.
“I thought they had enough talent to make the tournament,” Brewer said. “But they’re young. They have a chance to grow and become a tournament team next season.”
