Gator Country

It was long assumed that 2012 power forward Anthony Bennett of Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., would be on campus this weekend for the regular-season finale against Kentucky.

However, Findlay Prep coach Michael Peck dispelled that notion.

“He’s not visiting this weekend,” Peck said. “It might have been discussed a while back, but he’s just not visiting right now. He’ll visit in the spring.”

Bennett has narrowed it down to Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, UNLV and Florida.

“Coach Cal [Kentucky’s John Calipari] was out here in the fall and has been pretty persistent in expressing their interest,” Peck said. “We played in Lexington [Ken.] this year and we slid over to the campus and got a look at things. I think he’s impressed and couple that with [Kentucky’s] success, it’s always got to be intriguing for any high school player.”

UNLV also has made a strong impression on the 6-foot-7, 230-pound senior.

“[UNLV] is winning this year and with Dave Rice and the new system, it’s a little more open on the offensive end,” Peck said. “I think that’s appealing.”

While Peck didn’t acknowledge the close proximity of UNLV gives them a significant advantage, it will play a factor in Bennett’s decision.

“Anthony has been here two years in this area and has gained a level of comfort here,” he said. “He’s got a support system here … if he were to stay here, there wouldn’t be too much of an adjustment.”

As for Florida, Peck said Bennett’s comfort level with the coaching staff has been the biggest selling point for the Gators.

“I think he really is comfortable with the staff and likes Coach [Billy] Donovan,” Peck said. “I think he’s felt very connected with him throughout the process. Florida has been very successful under Coach Donovan for several years now. It’s not a necessity, but he does prefer a warmer climate, too.”

Bennett has helped lead Findlay Prep to a 29-1 record as it prepare for the National High School Invitational Tournament on March 29-31.

Bennett is averaging 15.8 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 60 percent from the field.

About the author

DrewLaing

Drew Laing is a junior at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Before college, Drew lived in Lakeland, Fla., his entire life. He began in journalism during his senior year of high school and has continued studying it throughout college. In addition to his internship at Gator Country, he is the Editor-In-Chief of The Samford Crimson and a collegiate correspondent for USA Today. Drew enjoys the finer things in life like Tampa Bay Rays baseball and PB&J sandwiches.

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