Thursday, April 08, 2004
Trouble in Paradise?
Two prized recruits, gone.From Billy Donovan's program at Florida. Sophomore guard Rashid Al-Kaleem and freshman point guard Ryan Appleby have decided to transfer.
The loss of Appleby very much hurts the Gators, because he was the only other point guard on the roster beside Anthony Roberson, who is still mulling a decision of whether to return for his junior season or declare for the NBA Draft. (Though for those of who saw his selfish play in the NCAA Tournament, it is a no brainer. Return to high school). The Gators cannot sign any players to replace Appleby and Al-Kaleem, because of an NCAA rule which caps the maximum number of players a school can sign in a two-year period at eight. UF signed four players in 2002 and signed four more this past November.
Update: Appleby is transferring to the University of Washington. This makes sense. He played at Stanwood High School. On a slightly different note, but of importance, 6'11" Miami recruit C.J. Giles of Seattle's Rainier Beach High School wants out of his letter of intent. If his wish is granted, he'll be a Husky in the fall. Seems like Lorenzo Romar is already cashing in on his team's success this year.
