Portal Center Josh Cohen Establishes New Recruitment Plans

Josh Cohen will no longer visit the University of Florida. He’s expected to announce his commitment decision on Thursday.

UPDATE: Josh Cohen will no longer visit Florida on Thursday and Friday. He’s removed the Gators from contention and will announce his collegiate destination on Thursday. The St. Francis PA transfer will choose between Iowa, Penn State, Santa Clara and UMass, according to On3.

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St. Francis (PA) center transfer Josh Cohen will take an official visit to the University of Florida on Thursday and Friday, he confirmed to All Gators Monday night.

The Lincroft, N.J., native will follow up with visits to Iowa on Saturday and Sunday before returning to Penn State next week for a second visit after the recent coaching change in Happy Valley, according to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports. The treks come following a trip to UMass on the last weekend of March. 

Cohen — who entered the transfer portal on March 8 — served as one of the most productive frontcourt pieces in the nation last season, accounting for 21.8 points per game to rank No. 10 in college basketball.

That production came at an efficient clip, shooting 58.5% from the field, and didn't waver against Power Six opponents. Posting 30 points against final-four contender Miami in Coral Gables and 18 on the road at Ohio State, he proved his worth to warrant a jump to that level for his final season of eligibility.

As a result, he projects to serve as a seemingly perfect replacement option for Colin Castleton on the offensive end, given his new-era big-man skills inside the arc. He can put the ball on the floor with purpose and attack defenders head-on while also spotting up on the block, where he utilizes his footwork and finesse around the basket to create open looks. 

In addition, Cohen's strength as a rebounder — ranking in the top 75 nationally with 8.3 per game in 2022-23 — is another area of his game attracting the Gators to him as they are looking to accumulate talent to help bolster in 2023-24.

Florida has welcomed — or will welcome — several visitors to campus since the season's close as head coach Todd Golden looks to replenish his roster for year two, including guard Walter Clayton Jr. (3/24), guard Claudell Harris (4/14), forward EJ Jarvis (committed and signed to UF) and center Micah Handlogten (4/6).

Cohen will be the latest portal prospect to step on campus as the Gators look to fill one of the five vacant spots remaining on the roster. 

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.

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