Florida center John Egbunu denied immediate eligibility
Florida Gators center John Egbunu will not be eligible to play this season, Gators coach Billy Donovan announced Thursday.
Egbunu transfered from South Florida in May after one season there. Florida had sought an immediate eligibility waiver, but Egbunu will have to sit out the 2014-15 season per transfer rules.
The 6-foot-10 sophomore started 31 games last season for the Bulls, averaging 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He was named to the AAC All-Rookie Team.
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Coming out of high school, Egbunu was a four-star, Top 100 recruit. The Bauchi, Nigeria native reportedly had transfer interest from Arizona, Georgetown, Michigan State and Virginia Tech before choosing the Gators.
Egbunu will be eligible to return to the floor for the 2015-16 season, and will have three years of eligibility remaining at Florida.
Florida is ranked No. 7 in the preseason AP Poll that was released Friday.
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Gators sophomore forward Chris Walker was suspended earlier this month for three games, including an exhibition game.
- Brad Rowland
