White gets first big win in KeVaughn Allen

New Florida Gators head coach Michael White landed his first big prize on Monday when guard KeVaughn Allen (6-3, 190, North Little Rock, AR High) reaffirmed his intentions to play for the Gators next season.

There was talk for several weeks that Allen was going to ask for his release from the Florida Gators, but after a talk with White he decided Gainesville was the place for him to be.

“I informed Florida today [Monday],” Allen told Gator Country. “The facts that he was telling me about himself and that he was a man of his word. I felt like I could trust him. I’ve looked into past development of guards and took that into consideration as well.”

So did Allen ever ask for his release? “I never asked for a release,” he said.

If there was a question as to how well White can do on the recruiting trail that has been put to bed, as White impressed Allen in their first meeting last week.

“My first impression of coach White was that he was a very nice man,” Allen said. “He’s very loyal to his staff and he’s going to keep his word to people.”

With the loss of Michael Frazier the Gators were in dire need of shooters and Allen was the perfect fit for White’s system. That is something that White made a point to bring up and stress when the two spoke.

“He said that they could really use me in the system he plays and runs,” Allen said. “I think the style of play he runs I fit in well with and I think I can play well with him as the coach.”

Not only was White in hot pursuit of Allen but the Gators three new assistant coaches have also been in contact with Allen and that has Allen excited about his arrival to Gainesville.

“I’ve talked to all of the assistant coaches already,” Allen said. “They’re very nice guys and they seem very excited about me getting down there and working out. I report on June 23rd.”

For the Florida Gators this is a happy ending to a story that didn’t look promising but Allen says he’s ready for the future but is also saddened that he won’t play for Billy Donovan in Gainesville.

“It was very tough to see him leave but the decision he made, I understand it,” Allen said. “I just have to move forward from it with coach White.”