Florida’s roster got a huge boost on Wednesday as ESPN reported that UC Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin committed to the Gators.
As one of the best players remaining in the portal Pullin was a massive recruitment for the Gators who were considered a leader ever since he entered the portal and the coaching staff contacted him. Ultimately, Florida was chosen over LSU, Michigan, Gonzaga, and Xavier.
Pullin, a 6’4” point guard, will offer the Gators a versatile backcourt piece that can shoulder the offensive load when needed to take pressure off of returning star Riley Kugel who is expected to be an offensive leader. A crafty guard who can get into the paint at will, Pullin ran an astonishing number of pick and rolls and isolation possessions for UC Riverside and was one of the highest usage players in the country–something that Todd Golden was looking for after having a team of largely complementary, low-usage players a year ago.
UC Riverside’s head coach Mike Magpayo is close friends with Todd Golden after the two worked together at Columbia and the relationship played a role in the Gators landing the commitment of Pullin. Magpayo is an excellent young coach who is considered a fast riser in the world of college basketball and he is particularly known for his offensive creativity. After playing for Magpayo for four years, Pullin is an intelligent lead guard who knows how to create his own shot as well as run an offense.
Pullin was incredibly productive last season averaging 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds last season. He also shot 39% from three, though it’s worth noting that it was on a low number of possessions, and he’ll be looking to improve his three-point volume and efficiency in what will be his final year of college. After entering the NBA Draft to receive feedback, more three-point volume was a clear piece of advice and something that he’ll be looking to increase while at Florida.
The Gators will now have the opportunity to start Pullin at point guard where he can use his passing ability to play a facilitating role, or bring him off the bench where he can be an instant-offense solution who can create his own shot. Walter Clayton, the presumed starter at point guard before the commitment of Pullin, provides much more catch and shoot efficiency, though he’s not the playmaker and dribble drive creator that Pullin is. Who the Gators will choose to start between the two will now make for an interesting offseason discussion–and of course there remains a possibility that the two could start together.
With space remaining on the roster, the Gators can now afford a bit more of an upside play now that they’ve landed the steadying presence of Pullin.