GAINESVILLE — The time has arrived to make Florida basketball nice once more.
A go to to the White Home Wednesday to satisfy President Donald Trump will have a good time the Gators nationwide title and additional validate the meteoric rise of coach Todd Golden’s program.
A lot of the gamers and coaches from the 2024-25 squad are anticipated to attend, with the exception being some worldwide gamers like sophomore guard City Klavzar who’s visiting his dwelling in Slovenia.
For the reason that NBA scouting mix concluded Sunday in Chicago, energy ahead Alex Condon of Australia and heart Rueben Chinyelu of Nigeria could make the journey to Washington D.C.
Denzel Aberdeen of Orlando is anticipated to attend regardless of is stunning resolution in April to switch to Kentucky. Additionally anticipated to hitch his former staff is ahead Sam Alexis of Apopka, who transferred to Indiana.
Golden, who not too long ago signed a brand new 6-year, $40.5 million deal, knew a month in the past a White Home go to was on the horizon. The 39-year-old talked about the pending invitation throughout a celebration of his staff April 12 at halftime of the Orange and Blue spring recreation.
“I’m fairly enthusiastic about that,” Golden mentioned. “We’ll need to get all people again collectively to have the ability to go try this.”
The Gators will change no less than 5 gamers who might be on the White Home, Aberdeen, Alexis and the excellent backcourt trio of All-American Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard. Condon and Chinleyu additionally proceed to discover their skilled choices.
This isn’t the primary time a U.S. President has honored Florida’s basketball program.
The Gators 2006 and 2007 nationwide title groups visited George W. Bush on the White Home.
Edgar Thompson may be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com