The Florida Gators basketball team is struggling down the stretch, but they’re hoping for some good news off the court in terms of recruiting.
Most programs are done with their 2016 class but the Gators aren’t, as they’re still looking for a big man for the class.
On Tuesday the Gators hosted a big man on a visit in power forward Yuat Alok (6-10, 200, Sarasota, FL Impact Academy) and he enjoyed the visit.
“It was a good visit to Florida, I enjoyed my time there,” Alok said. “I watched the game, Florida played hard but came up short to Kentucky. I had to leave quickly after the game to go home because I had school the next morning. I didn’t have the chance to speak with the coaching staff, but hopefully I can next time.”
Florida Gators head coach Mike White has stressed the need for Alok in this class and shared how the forward would fit into the Florida scheme.
“Coach White and Coach Dusty May are recruiting me,” he said. “Coach White tells me that he really needs me. He says that he needs someone who’s a long versatile defender. Someone who’s skilled and athletic to replace Dorian Finney-Smith and that’s what Coach White says fits me perfect.”
Assistant Florida Gators basketball coach Dusty May is the lead recruiter for Alok and he’s also stressing the need for a forward in the 2016 class.
“Coach May talks to me a lot,” Alok said. “He says that I’m a perfect fit at the stretch four and says the same thing as Coach White does about needing me. He just checks up on me and sees how I’m doing and where things are.”
The Sarasota big man has been under the radar during his recruitment but the Gators are after him and Alok likes the program in Gainesville.
“I like Florida and their coaches,” he said. “Florida is a good basketball program with a good young coaching staff. They also have really good people around there too and they need me.”
Florida isn’t the only school recruiting Alok, as two ACC schools and another SEC school is all after the forward.
“Florida, Auburn, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Kansas State,” Alok said. “Hopefully more schools come around to recruiting me too.”
Alok hasn’t taken any official visits yet but he says that will change soon and he knows where he will take those trips.
“I plan to take my official visits sometime soon,” he said. “Florida will get one of my official visits and I’m not sure who else will get one.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Florida seems to be in good shape with Alok, but he has no timetable for a decision right now. The Gators need a big man in this class in a big way and Alok would fit that role.
I don’t know a lot about him but we do need the bigs.
I really want this kid to be Gator. Lots of potential in that 6’10 athletic frame.
Hopefully the basketball team can get him.