With the recent indefinite suspension of Florida point guard Scottie Wilbekin, it would be easy to assume Braxton Ogbueze is kicking himself.
After all, had Ogbueze stayed at Florida for his sophomore season, he could have been in line to compete for the starting point guard job to start the 2013-14 season.
But according to Ogbueze’s older bother, Klem, Braxton is doing just fine.
“He doesn’t regret it,” Klem Ogbueze said. “He’s looking forward, not back. As a family, we look forward.”
Ogbueze left UF at the end of his freshman season due to lack of playing time and has ended up closer to home at UNC Charlotte. A Charlotte, N.C., native, Ogbueze played sparingly behind Wilbekin and Kenny Boynton at point guard as a freshman. The 6-foot-1, 182-pound Ogbueze appeared in 23 games, averaging 0.8 points and 0.6 rebounds in five minutes per game. His assist-to-turnover ratio was 7 to 10.
Klem Ogbueze said he doesn’t think Wilbekin’s suspension would have made a difference for his brother’s chances at UF coming into this season. Wilbekin also was suspended for the first two regular season games of 2012-13 for an unspecified violation of team rules.
“When Scottie got busted last year, Braxton still didn’t get an opportunity,” Klem Ogbueze said. “Maybe (incoming freshman) Kasey Hill will get his chance.”
Klem Ogbueze said his brother will definitely sit out next season per NCAA Division I transfer rules and will use the time to try to get stronger. He thinks UNC Charlotte is the right fit for Braxton.
“He’s excited to have the opportunity to play for a coaching staff that believes in him,” Klem Ogbueze said. “UNC Charlotte is not a program like Florida, but they have some pieces needed to be successful. They are going to push Braxton to where he wants to be as a player and in the classroom.”
Other notes:
— In unveiling the 2013-14 projected athletic department budget, Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said that the $50 million renovation to the O’Connell Center will begin next summer. The UF board of trustees has kicked in $10 million for the project, with the rest of the money being raised through private donations. “The center has served the university well,” Foley said. “But it is a 32-year-old building and needs to be renovated.”
— According to a list compiled by D1Scource.com, Florida coach Billy Donovan is ranked 15th out of 351 schools in longest coaching tenure at one school (17 years, 2 months). Who tops the list? Jim Boeheim, who has been at Syracuse since 1976.
— ESPN.com ranked Florida 11th in its top 20 schools that produce the best players for the NBA.
— On the subject of NBA Gators, former UF standouts Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards) and Chandler Parsons (Houston Rockets) have been invited to Team USA’s minicamp this summer.
Sounds like the kid still doesn’t get it. Under Billy Donovan, you EARN playing time through hard work in the offseason and at pratice. It’s not just given to you because you think you have the right to it. Hope he’s found the “entitlement mentality” destination he’s looking for. We’ll move forward with players that want to earn it.
I doubt Scotty will be suspended any games.. if he does it will only be a few.. unless he did something really serious.
O’s brother using the word “busted” gives you some idea what the reason for Scottie’s suspension since UF cannot specify the reason.
Lot of sour grapes in those comments. I don’t know if the kid had an entitlement mentality, but the older brother sure does.
It sounds like the same voice that was in Braxton’s ear all of last year, is the same voice that is talking to everyone…his brother. I guess it’s pretty obvious who’ll be his agent when he goes to play overseas. Hopefully he’ll have to EARN his playing time there, because if he doesn’t EARN it, we’ll see what kind of excuse his brother uses then. Kids just need to listen to their own heads sometimes instead of others.
Agree with Lizardgrad89, Someone here thinks A LOT of themself, and doesnt realise that growth and maturity gets you that starting spot not your reputation. YES he MAY get more opportunity at UNCC, but what level are you playing on at that point. If he couldn’t wait to prove himself he would have left evemtually anyway. Look at Frazier, he took it to the court and look what happened with him. It’s not because he was a freshman that he didn’t get more opportunity. This kid played in what, 23 games some of that time had to be QUALITY time and he didn’t take full advantage of it. I truely believe the BIG brother was the MOUTH piece and the DRIVING FORCE for the kid making the rushed and immature decision. GO GATORS!!!!
Bye!!!!
Wonder if Charlotte will push him as much as his brother seems to…
wish him well, he never really produced in the times he played, and word was he did not produce in practice either, and you will not see the court for Billy if you do not go 100% in practice…he had to see the writing on the wall with arguably the top point guard in the country and youtube freak K. Hill coming in…he will have to earn his way too…hope Wilbekin makes it back, we would have heard if he were “busted” as his bro says…word was he was caught smoking weed…perhaps again?
Kevin why are you not asking the question to Braxton? His brothers mouth influenced him to leave instead of work. Not much cred there.
Dear Klem,
Get your own life, go back to school, find a job… do something. Stop living your life through me.
Sincerely,
Your more talented brother,
Braxton
Please stop reporting on what Braxton half wit brother is saying.