Boynton commits to Florida

Kenny Boynton, one of the nation's top scoring guard recruits in the class of 2009, committed to Florida on Thursday, choosing the Gators over Duke, Texas, USC and Georgia Tech.

"I just think Coach [Billy] Donovan can take me to the next level," Boynton, a senior at American Heritage in Plantation, Fla., said in a phone interview.

Last Saturday, Boynton and his family visited the Gainesville, Fla., campus to watch the basketball team practice and the football team beat Kentucky. No other recruits were on the visit, but the 6-foot-2, 187-pound Boynton said he felt at home. Already friendly with current starter Nick Calathes from the Sunshine State's high school and AAU scenes, Boynton believes their styles would complement each other.

"It's just the right fit for me," he said.

Boynton is the third senior to give Donovan a verbal commitment, joining Erik Murphy, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward from Rhode Island and Deshawn Painter, a 6-9, 210-pound forward currently playing at the Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. All three are expected to sign their letters-of-intent in November.

Having played on the same AAU team as Brandon Knight, a junior at Pine Crest High in Coral Springs, Fla., considered by some to be the top prospect in the class of 2010, Boynton will surely be used by Florida's staff as recruiting bait to gain his commitment.