Florida Gators Center Jason Jitoboh to Enter Transfer Portal
Photo: Jason Jitoboh; Credit: Zach Goodall
The mass exodus this offseason for Florida hoops continues as rotational center Jason Jitoboh becomes the third Gators player to enter the transfer portal, reports Jacob Rudner of Swamp247.
Jitoboh departs after averaging 3.1 points on 58% from the floor, 1.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in a career-high 11.5 minutes per game during the 2022-23 season.
The Abuja, Nigeria, endured a tumultuous career at the University of Florida, largely defined by his comeback journey to an eye injury he suffered against Tennessee in Knoxville in 2021-22.
The recovery process included four surgeries to repair a severely damaged retina as well as the detachment of the muscle that allowed his eye to more right and left. He is scheduled to undergo one more surgery this offseason to fully repair vision in his left eye.
His return to hardwood marked the pinnacle of the grueling journey for Jitoboh. Despite inconsistent minutes off the bench, the 6-foot-11, 300-pound big man served serviceably for Florida at various points throughout his senior season.
His contributions to close the year aided a scrambling Gators team following the loss of Colin Castleton, who suffered season-ending hand injury against Ole Miss on Feb. 15. Jitoboh slid into the starting five spot for the remainder of the season, where he averaged 5.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game over the Gators last seven games.
Now, following a tough 2022-23 season for all parties, especially Jitoboh, he joins Kowacie Reeves Jr. and Niels Lane in the transfer portal looking for a new home for next season.
It will be Jitoboh’s final year of eligibility.
Kyle Lofton, Myreon Jones and Castleton also depart from the program after exhausting their eligibility in 2022-23.
Despite the six departures, there are still several questions marks surrounding Florida’s returning roster moving forward.
The most significant includes emerging star Riley Kugel, who has yet to decide on a return to Gainesville following an impressive end to his true freshman campaign. He is considered a high-upside NBA Draft prospect and is vying for a first-round grade after shining as the Gators top offensive option to close the year.
Meanwhile, guard Trey Bonham is also undecided on a return to UF after serving sparing minutes over the closing stretch of the season. Sources tell All Gators that he’s scheduled for his end-of-season exit meeting with head coach Todd Golden this week.
A decision will come soon thereafter.
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