Special report on the Florida Gators basketball team:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Head coach Mike White announced the signing of three players for the Gators’ 2020 class, including incoming freshmen Niels Lane and Samson Ruzhentsev and junior college transfer Osayi Osifo.
“We’re really excited about all three of these guys,” White said. “They’re all really talented players, and a common thread they share is that they play with a high level of energy, they’re competitive and they want to win more than anything else. On top of that, they bring a high level of character, and we’ve enjoyed getting to know each of them through the recruiting process.”
The trio will join current sit-out transfers Tyree Appleby and Anthony Duruji to make up a talented and deep five-man class for the 2020-21 edition of the Gators.
Niels Lane
G | 6-5 | 210 | Freehold, N.J. | Roselle Catholic
- Four-star prospect.
- Slashing wing who can finish at all three levels.
- An explosive athlete who defends and rebounds his position well.
- At his best offensively in transition, known as an elite finisher on the break.
Osayi Osifo
F | 6-8 | 210 | Dallas, Texas | Eastern Florida State College
- Extremely high motor, one of the hardest-playing guys in the country.
- Appeared in 33 games with 10 starts his freshman season at EFSC, averaging 4.4 points and 3.9 rebounds.
- Great upside, has only been playing basketball less than four years.
Samson Ruzhentsev
G | 6-8 | 210 | Moscow, Russia | Hamilton Heights Academy (Tenn.)
- Four-star prospect.
- Long guard who can score at all three levels.
- Has bouncy athleticism, allowing him to score at the rim at a high level.
- One of the best shooters in the 2020 class.
- Represented Russia in the FIBA U18 Euro Championships.