Forward CJ Felder Returning to Gators After Leave of Absence

Photo: CJ Felder; Credit: Zach Goodall

Forward CJ Felder is returning to the Florida hoops squad after a leave of absence due to personal reasons, head coach Todd Golden shared on Tuesday.

Felder was away from the team for three weeks and missed eight games during that span.

Now, he will experience a quick turnaround as the heat of the Gators' SEC slate rolls on.

He’s slated to return to practice on Tuesday and travel with the team to Tuscaloosa for its Wednesday night matchup with Alabama, according to Chris Harry of FloridaGators.com. His status for the game, however, is doubtful, as he works back to playing form.

Nonetheless, the reunification is a positive for both parties.

Felder aids Florida’s frontcourt depth as it makes a push toward the NCAA tournament (currently sitting in the First Four Out) down the stretch of the season. He is averaging 2.5 points on 53.6% from the floor and 3.1 rebounds in 13.2 minutes per game for the Gators in 2022-23.

The Sumter, S.C., native provides some flexibility for a UF squad that has looked to a small ball lineup — as Will Richard slid to the four with Riley Kugel operating at the three — for production in his absence when Alex Fudge is not on the floor.

The Gators will likely continue with that rotation, due to the slight uptick it’s brought to a dormant product at times on the offensive end, but Felder presents the ability to play in a more traditional setting if it’s needed during the closing weeks of the regular season.

Despite the unexpected exit from Felder, Golden expressed the team’s support for his decision while he worked through the personal issues. Florida kept the door open for his return throughout the process.

"We're leaving the door open to join the team again at some point this season," Golden said, “whenever he feels he's ready.“

After missing eight games, Felder deemed that he is ready for his return to the hardwood.

Florida will tip-off on the road against No. 3 Alabama on Wednesday at 9 p.m.

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