Mike White and the Florida Gators received great news on Friday when it was announced that big man John Egbunu would return for his senior season.
Good news for the Gators! John Egbunu is coming back: https://t.co/gbP3ernc3h
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) May 19, 2017
The 6-foot-11 center averaged 7.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season, but saw his season end abruptly after tearing his ACL just eight minutes into a mid-February game against Auburn.
Lovell’s Analysis:
This is undoubtedly a huge boost for Florida.
The biggest question mark I had for the Gators in my early SEC hoops preview was in the frontcourt. Now with Egbunu back in the mix, the other guys around him – Kevarrius Hayes, Keith Stone, and Gorjok Gak – can continue to develop at a steady rate.
This team also brings in ESPN Top 100 big men in center Isaiah Stokes and power forward Chase Johnson.
I said many times late last season that I thought Egbunu’s season-ending injury would be devastating to Florida’s chances at making a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Of course, all the Gators did was defy the odds and make it to the Elite Eight.
Now, with a loaded backcourt led by KeVaughn Allen and Chris Chiozza, and Egbunu officially back in Gainesville, White’s squad will have an opportunity to make another deep run in March.