Florida forward Colin Castleton announces big decision on future

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team had seven total seniors and graduate transfers on the roster in the 2021-22 season. Facing a big roster revamp, Florida and new head coach Todd Golden got a big relief on Monday as senior forward Colin Castleton announced his intention to stay with the Gators for one more season.

“The past couple weeks have helped me reflect on the season, as well as (given) me time to decide what’s next for my future,” Castleton wrote. “Thank you to my family and everyone who has helped me make this decision. Everyone’s process is different, and I’m adding another chapter to mine. Gator Nation I’M BACK!”

Gators Forward Colin Castleton will return to Florida next season, he says in an Instagram post. pic.twitter.com/JiNtR1Kjki

— 𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚗 (@KeiserDonavon) April 11, 2022

Castleton, an All-SEC second-team forward, tested the NBA Draft waters following the 2020-21 season. Ultimately, he chose to return to Florida.

In 2021-22, the 6-foot-11 big man took his game to a new level. He led the team with 16.2 points per game, nine rebounds per game, and 2.2 blocks per game.

Golden campaigned for Castleton return

With that, first-year UF head coach Todd Golden has been keen on keeping Castleton in Gainesville for his final year of eligibility.

Last week, Golden said he would welcome Castleton’s return, but he wants what’s best for both parties.

“I think it would give us a little bit of a jump start and getting back moving in the right way. I’ll work hard seeing what he wants to do,” Golden said. “But again, you know, being in a new program, it has to work for both sides. He’s gotta be comfortable. He’s gotta be excited about it. I’ve just been really impressed with him so far in regards to his intelligence and type of kid he is.”

Golden said he had a key selling point to convince Castleton to come back to Gainesville.

“The great thing is I have a great test case for him from my time at San Francisco because my point guard, this past year, was a guy that took advantage,” Golden said. “He used his fifth COVID year, ended up having 36 points in the first game of the NCAA Tournament, and will get drafted now. So, it’s something that I can just really easily explain to Colin. And paint a picture of, and he was intrigued by it, so I’m hopeful that those conversations go the right way. And regardless, I want what’s best for him.”

Florida forward Anthony Duruji announced on Twitter last Friday that he’s hiring an agent and entering the 2022 NBA Draft. He can still come back to Florida if the draft doesn’t pan out.

On3’s Pat O’Donnell contributed to this report.