Advertisement

In big win for new coach Mike White, Florida retains top recruit

In big win for new coach Mike White, Florida retains top recruit

Michael White's first big victory at Florida arrived months before he'll coach the Gators in a game for the first time.

The former Louisiana Tech coach persuaded highly touted shooting guard prospect KeVaughn Allen to honor his pledge to Florida.

Allen, Rivals.com's No. 67 prospect in the class of 2015, had been wavering since Billy Donovan jumped to the NBA to coach the Oklahoma City Thunder. His stepfather John Curry told Arkansas radio host Bo Mattingly a couple weeks ago that Allen intended to seek a release from his letter of intent, but White was able to gain Allen's trust on Monday after meeting with him in person.

Allen's decision to attend Florida ensures that White will retain three out of the four members of Donovan's final recruiting class. Forward Keith Stone and forward Kevarrius Hayes will join Allen in Florida's 2015 class, but forward Noah Dickerson received his release from his letter of intent last week.

Of the four signees, Allen could be the most critical next season. The high-scoring 6-foot-2 Arkansas native will likely have a chance to play immediately at wing with Michael Frazier declaring for the NBA draft and fellow starter Eli Carter opting to transfer.

It would give Florida more hope of a bounce-back season in year one under White if Allen proves capable of handling a big role as a freshman. He'll join a nucleus that includes returning starters Kasey Hill and Dorian Finney-Smith and capable reserve forwards Devin Robinson and Alex Murphy.

- - - - - - -

Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!