Florida finished off its regular season perfect (18-0) in the Southeastern Conference. With a number of top recruits attending, the Florida win and the rowdy crowd made a big impression on 2015 wing guard Austin Grandstaff (6-5, 185, Rockwall, TX High), who called the crowd the loudest he’s heard.
“It was crazy inside the stadium,” Grandstaff said. “The fans were great and crazy loud. The team came out and kicked Kentucky’s butt early and made it even louder. This was definitely the loudest atmosphere I’ve been in out of all of my visits.”
Grandstaff, who arrived in Gainesville Friday and will return home to Texas Sunday, the visit and the Gators far exceeded anything he was anticipating.
“The visit went above my expectations,” Grandstaff said. “I got here on Friday and picked up the Florida offer and then being able to go to the game was great. I’m staying Saturday night and then leaving on Sunday morning to head back home.”
Florida coach Billy Donovan offered a scholarship Friday, sending a strong message to Grandstaff that he has the kind of skills the Gators are looking for.
“Coach Donovan was telling me that they needed scoring in my class,” Grandstaff said. “He said that I would fit in perfect here and that he wanted to offer me. I let him know that Florida is definitely up there near my top but that I’m not going to commit anywhere right now.”
After watching the Gators dismantle Kentucky, 84-65, at the O-Dome Saturday, Grandstaff thinks that he could fit right in at Florida.
“I think I fit in with everyone at Florida because they all work hard and I’m a hard worker myself,” Grandstaff said. “The coaches are great and they do a great job of getting there players prepared and better and that attracts me to the program.”
Grandstaff, who recently withdrew his commitment to Oklahoma State, says the Gators are at the top of his list along with two other schools.
“Florida, Oklahoma, Ohio State are standing out right now,” Grandstaff said. “Texas is coming at me the toughest right now but that could change this spring or summer. I plan to take an official to Florida next season.”