Former Gators Forward CJ Felder Signs with McNeese State

Former Gators forward CJ Felder has found a new home.

On Thursday afternoon, Felder aligned himself with former LSU head coach Will Wade at McNeese State for his final season of collegiate eligibility, the program announced via Twitter.

Felder put pen to paper on his NLI to make it official.

SIGNED✍️

Welcome to Cowboy Country, @C1__BG🤠#GeauxPokes pic.twitter.com/OjxErVQA8i
— McNeese Men’s Basketball (@McNeeseMBB) April 13, 2023

Transferring from Boston College to Florida prior to the 2020-21 season, Felder occupied a rotational role behind starting four Anthony Duruji under former head coach Mike White. However, dealing with a hip hernia for a significant portion of his junior campaign, Felder struggled to reach his full potential as he lacked the explosiveness and range of motion needed to display the talents that intrigued White in his recruitment.

Heading into his senior year, the Sumter (S.C.) product got a fresh start with the coaching turnover while simultaneously returning to full health. The stars aligned for a potential bounce back season, and he began his lone campaign under Todd Golden as a starter for the first eight contests.

His time quickly dwindled, however, and he lost his starting job to serve sparing minutes in rotation. Ultimately, Felder took an extended leave of absence for unknown reasons midseason, missing eight games in the process.

The forward rejoined the unit in early February, recording just three total minutes in the team’s final 10 games. He finished his Florida career averaging 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game over two seasons.

Felder is the third former Gator to find a new home this offseason, joining Kowacie Reeves Jr. (Georgia Tech) and Jason Jitoboh (Tennessee State). Niels Lane and Trey Bonham remain on the open market.

Florida’s already made impressive acquisitions in response to those voids, locking down the likes of Walter Clayton Jr., EJ Jarvis and Micah Handlogten to occupy crucial roles next season.

The Gators continue to pursue other portal talent heavily, including former North Texas guard Tylor Perry — who recently visited UF.

Golden and Co. have four available scholarships remaining to dish out.

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