Despite losing seven players from two national championship teams, UF's roster is beyond full heading into the next two years.
The latest addition is Eloy Vargas, a 6-foot-10 power forward from Hollywood American Heritage High and the No. 10 player in the class of 2008, according to Rivals.com, who gave UF coach Billy Donovan a commitment late Wednesday night.
Vargas virtually guarantees Donovan his second top-five class in as many years, joining Kenny Kadji, Allen Chaney, Ray Shipman and Erving Walker.
The only problem is, if all five players remain committed and the current team remains intact, the Gators will have 14 potential players to begin the 2008-09 season.
NCAA rules allow 13 scholarship players on UF?s roster, so one player has to leave in the next year, likely by decommitting, transferring or leaving early for the NBA Draft.
For now at least, the focus is on Vargas.
BHe?s a hard-working young man who has priorities of basketball and academics,C Vargas? high-school coach Danny Herz said. BHe is the most skilled four-man in high school basketball right now, a power forward with the skills of a guard.C
Vargas? rangy frame will also give UF some defensive presence that it lost in departed forward Joakim Noah.
BHe covers for a lot of defensive mistakes in the lane,C Herz said. BHe?s a guy his teammates can rely on.C
The recruiting process had been a long and celebrated one for Vargas, who averaged 21 points and 14 rebounds a game for American Heritage last year.
Over the course of about two years, he drew interest from Ohio State, Indiana, Clemson, Louisville and Pittsburgh, as well as in-state rivals Florida State and Miami.
BHe got a chance to be recruited by some great coaches across the country,C Herz said. BHe felt Florida gave him a chance to develop and play early.C
