The Florida Gators basketball team has struggled down the stretch some, but the staff is still working hard on the court and in recruiting.
Last Tuesday the staff had several big name prospects visit Gainesville including 2017 forward David Nickelberry (6-7, 180, Orlando, FL Windermere Prep) who left with some good news.
“Coach [Mike] White was the coach that offered me [a scholarship],” Nickelberry said. “He just said that he definitely liked my game and the way I played the game. He has been watching me and he has been wanting to offer me, but he wanted to do in person on a personal level. He told me that he really needs me on this team and that I can be a big part of the team.”
Nickelberry had kind of expected the offer for sometime now, but he was still excited and grateful to receive it on Tuesday night.
“The offer means a lot, it’s definitely cool to have an instate school offer me,” he said. “I love the program, it’s a great program and a winning program. They have a great history and I love it up there at the school.”
When White offered Nickelberry both he and assistant coach Dusty May broke down how the forward would fit into Florida’s system.
“He sees me as 1, 2 or even 3 because he says that I can handle the ball,” Nickelberry said. “He says that he likes my court vision and that I can fit in really well into their system. I like their defensive press because that is what we run in high school and in my AAU program.”
Nickelberry has been to several games this year and has watched Florida a lot and he thinks highly of the team and coaching staff.
“I think so far it has been a good season for them, but I know they can do better,” he said. “Coach White is an unbelievable coach and he’s a great guy. I have a great personal relationship with him and I think that could continue if I went there.”
The Gators excited Nickelberry with the offer and the forward now says he has a lot of interest in the instate basketball program.
“I definitely have high interest in Florida, I like Florida a lot,” Nickelberry said. “They are my top school out of my top eight schools. I really like Florida and it’s a great offer. I hope to get back there soon.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Nickelberry says he plans to visit both Florida and Texas this spring and he hopes to make a decision either this summer or the beginning of the fall.