Gators Wing EJ Jarvis Steps Away, Pens Farewell to Basketball
Florida wing EJ Jarvis is stepping away from the game of basketball, he announced in a post to Instagram on Thursday evening. He will not suit up for the Gators in the 2023-24 campaign as a result.
"Since the age of four, I have been playing basketball," Jarvis wrote. "And for the last 19 years, it has played a huge role in shaping me into the man I am today- something I will forever be grateful for. At this point in my career, I feel it would be best to pursue other opportunities in life. So, with that being said, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the game of basketball."
After transferring in from Yale this offseason, Jarvis took a leave of absence from the program due to personal reasons without a timeline offered for his return.
On Thursday, he took to social media to update his status while expressing gratitude for how UF head coach Todd Golden and Co. handled his unexpected departure.
"I would like to emphasize how understanding and supportive Coach Golden, the coaching staff, and my teammates at the University of Florida have been," he noted. "I am genuinely thankful for all the relationships I have made while at Florida and will be cheering them on as they work towards their goal of winning a National Championship."
A thank you to Gator Nation ensued.
During the offseason, Jarvis was the first of six transfer additions to the Gators roster. He emerged as a priority target early in the transfer window before pledging himself to Florida on March 31.
In an exclusive interview with All Gators shortly after his commitment, Jarvis shared that "it all made sense" regarding his fit at UF.
"Florida has everything I wanted," he said he thought to himself during his official visit to Gainesville days before his pledge went public.
Offering the unit a viable stretch four piece with the limb length, athleticism and versatility to supplement the Gators' scoring attack and rebounding presence in Golden's second season at the helm of the program, the former Bulldog was considered an uber-important addition to the squad.
His scoring presence at all three levels notably piqued the Gators' interest, and played a significant role in their concerted pursuit of the four-year Ivy League talent.
"They're just looking for guys that can score when needed, guys who can go get a bucket, whether it be in the post or maybe a catch-and-shoot three," he shared.
At the time of his alignment with the program, only returning reserve Aleks Szymczyk occupied a role down low.
Fellow bigs Micah Handlogten (Marshall) and Tyrese Samuel (Seton Hall) followed his lead in joining Florida for the upcoming campaign via the transfer portal, while high school prospects Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh enrolled in May to complete the frontcourt's reconstruction.
The added talent and depth give Florida the luxury of being able to withstand the loss of Jarvis, unlike the squad's ability to stomach the forward and center attrition a season ago — as evident by Colin Castleton's season-ending injury in mid-February.
"I am blessed to leave basketball as a Nike EYBL Peach Jam Champion, 3x Ivy League Champion, All-Ivy selection, Academic All-Ivy honoree, and March Madness participant," Jarvis said to conclude his de facto retirement letter.
"I am beyond grateful for the people I have met and the experiences I have gained through basketball. Rest assured that all is well and I am excited for whatever journey lies ahead - more to come!"
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