Another Horford to UF?

Florida appears on the verge of adding more valuable frontcourt depth with a familiar name.

Jon Horford, the younger brother of former Gators and current Atlanta Hawks standout Al Horford has received a scholarship offer from Florida. According to MLive.com’s Brendan F. Quinn, the interest between the Michigan transfer and Florida is mutual.

ESPN.com’s Jeff Goodman also has been following the Horford-to-Florida story and tweeted this Friday morning:

Florida and Michigan transfer Jon Horford moving closer, sources told ESPN. Would be ideal addition for Donovan and Gators.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) April 18, 2014
​

>

As a postgraduate transfer, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound Horford will be able to play immediately for the Gators as a fifth-year senior in 2014-15. But what would Florida get? Horford averaged 3.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 13.8 minutes off the bench for the Wolverines last season. For most of his Michigan career. he’s been a role player behind Michigan starters Jordan Morgan and Mitch McGary. But there is thought from Horford and his family that his development has been stunted playing in Michigan coach John Beilein’s guard-oriented offense.

“I haven’t played my game yet, the way that I can play, the way that I do play,” Horford told the Detroit Free Press. “And that’s not a negative thing at all (about Michigan). It just, it is what it is.”

Horford’s production could increase if given the chance for more playing time at Florida. But he would have to fight for playing time in a crowded frontcourt that includes senior center Damontre Harris, junior forward Dorian Finney-Smith, sophomore McDonald’s All-American forward Chris Walker and Duke transfer Alex Murphy. Horford would provide valuable insurance if Harris, who sat out all last season due to disciplinary issues, slips up again.

Horford told the Free Press that while there are family ties to UF, he’ll also consider offers from UCF, Connecticut and Notre Dame and his decision will be based on his trust in the coaching staff.

“It’s going to be essential,” Horford told the Free Press. “Without it, I can honestly say I won’t get where I want to go, if I don’t find that in myself. That’s what this whole recruiting process is about, is just to find that. If I can find that, everything else will fall into place.”

Click to expand...