Gators Center Target Micah Handlogten Includes UF in Top 8

Photo: Gators basketball; Credit: Zach Goodall

Marshall center transfer Micah Handlogten has quickly sorted through his list of options for his next stop in the collegiate game.

After entering the transfer portal just five days ago — and receiving an abundance of calls and texts from prospective schools inquiring about his services — Handlogten is down to eight schools to move forward with in his recruitment.

On Tuesday, the former Thundering Herd big man shared that Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, NC State and Virginia are the programs continuing forward for his talents, according to 247Sports' Cory Smith.

The news comes three days removed from the announcement that he will be taking his first official visit of the process to the University of Florida Thursday-Saturday (April 6-8), per Jacob Rudner of Swamp247. He's expected to follow that up by visiting other schools within his top eight, although no dates are set for those trips.

Displaying an impeccable stature as a 7-foot-1, 227-pounded center with length and functional athleticism, Handlogten provides an elite rim-protecting presence on the defensive end.

His ability to guard out to the perimeter will be a luxury for his future schools as he's not limited to the paint area against tradition center prospects.

In addition, he served as one of the best rebounders in the country during the 2022-23 season, snagging 9.8 boards per game across 32 appearances. Over three of which came in the offensive end, an aspect of Florida's attack that lacked mightily last season — to the point they opted to get back on defense instead of crashing the boards for second-chance opportunities.

Shooting at a 66% clip for Marshall to account for 7.6 points per game, the Huntersville, N.C., native can operate as a complementary offensive piece despite his strength aligning on the other end of the floor.

He would pair well with St. Francis PA transfer Josh Cohen, who's also scheduled to visit the Gators on Thursday and Friday, given Cohen's offensive prowess and similarly impressive rebounding ability.

Cohen presents just one more year of collegiate eligibility, while Handlogten can provide more than a one-year rental.

Those two working in tandem for a season before the latter is handed over full reigns of the position would bode well for the Gators staff as they look to create more depth at the position. Lack of it plagued Florida to close the 2022-23 season when its All-American five Colin Castleton went down with an injury.

As a result, it seems that is the goal as they host both big men in Gainesville together.

Since entering the portal on March 30, the Marshall center transfer has become one of the most intriguing prospects for Power Six schools looking for a firm piece to anchor the five spot next season. He heard from a bevy of nationally recognized programs before quickly cutting his extensive list of options to eight on Tuesday.

Securing the reigning Sun Belt Freshman of the Year would be a long-term fix for the Gators' center position.

As a result, his trip to Gainesville will be of utmost importance for the staff as they attempt to lure him into repping orange and blue for up to three seasons.

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