Bradley Beal returned to St. Louis over the weekend, but according to a close source, remains torn about whether to return to UF or enter the NBA draft.
The source said that the standout Florida freshman guard is discussing the option to hold off his choice until April 29, which is the NBA’s deadline for underclassmen to put their names in for the NBA draft.
The NCAA set its own deadline for April 10, but it’s not a hard and fast deadline. It was designed to let college basketball coaches know if they needed to fill scholarships for the spring signing period, which starts April 11. A player who hasn’t put his name in by April 11 can still do so before April 29. A good story explaining the dueling deadlines can be found here.
What does this mean for Florida? With Erving Walker the lone senior leaving and the Gators adding three signess for its 2012 class, Florida is currently at its full allotment of 13 scholarships. That number would reduce by one if Beal declares for the NBA draft.
If Beal declares before April 11, it would free up a scholarship for a big man, such as undecided five-star 2012 recruit Anthony Bennett. Bennett, a Toronto native, has Florida in his final five with Kentucky, UNLV, Oregon and Washington.
A number of underclassmen have already declared for the NBA draft, such as Ohio State sophomore big man Jared Sullinger, Michigan freshman point guard Trey Burke, North Carolina sophomore point guard Kendall Marshall, UNC sophomore forward Harrison Barnes and UNC junior forward John Henson.
Florida’s current 13 scholarship players for 2012-13 season — Patric Young F, Erik Murphy F, Bradley Beal G, Kenny Boynton G, Mike Rosario G, Will Yeguete F, Casey Prather F, Cody Larson F, Walter Pitchford F, Scottie Wilbekin G, Braxton Ogbueze G, Michael Frazier G, Dillon Graham G.
After seeing Sullinger this year, he should go. Really proud to see him grow this year and explode during the NCAA tourney run. It was tough to watch him fight back teams after the Louisville postgame interview.
I meant tears not teams. My bad.
come on BEAL ! STAY!
Who cares about Sullinger?
I am mentally prepared for him to go. Hope he doesn’t wait too long and cost us a scholarship.
It’s a tough decision. I think he realizes that if this year’s group stays together they have a chance to be special next year. With all the Kentucky guys leaving UF would be SEC favorites and ready to challenge for Final Four.
Beal should stay for our own selfish desire of wanting the Gators to win a title next with his help. After reading that Boynton is staying, I think that the writing is already on the wall. Beal is a one and done. But thanks for a great year Beal, now go get PAID! Maybe Boynton will get his confidence back now. Go Gators!
Yes, Beal, Stay! Please! You guys could be like the o4s next year.
I would like to see the gators play bigger next year.
Like seeing more of the forwards Yeguete and Prather.
Saw Mike Frazier in the Monteverde-Montrose Christian game. If Beal leaves this kid looks like a worthy successor. Excellent three point game plus he had some muscle and good hops. With a healthy Yeguette and more progress from some of the reserves we should be in good shape.
Scout.com has Anthony Bennett signing with the Gators:
http://scouthoops.scout.com/2/1176015.html
Is he waiting to see what Beal does?
See where the Gators are signing another guard. Though he is supposed to be 6″6″, unless he has a 7 footer’s wingspan, it looks like UF will still be undersized and outmanned on the interior again. Where have all the big guys gone?
Any update on Bennett? We’ve signed plenty of guards; we need some size!!
With Beal’s jump to the NBA ( good for him!!) it leaves a big opportunity for Boynton and Rosario to become the high scoring guard tandem that could give opponents fits next season. Still, Gator’s need more big guys to bang in the middle.