Colin Castleton will return to Florida for another season
The two biggest words Todd Golden has seen since he took over the Florida Gators were posted Monday by Colin Castleton.
“I’m Back.”
The Gators’ big man announced on Twitter and Instagram a message, declaring his intention to return to Florida for a fifth season.
“The Past couple weeks have helped me reflect on the season, as well as give 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!”
Golden wanted to keep Castleton bad
New head coach Todd Golden has made his desire clear both privately to Castleton and publically. He wanted the big man back in Gainesville. Castleton was a leader for the Gators in 2020-21. He tested the NBA Draft waters, participating in workouts, but ultimately chose to return to Gainesville in 2021-22.
“Colin’s a guy that I’ve spent a lot of time with. (We’re) trying to work to see if he has the desire to come back and use his extra year,” Golden said after his introductory press conference.
Golden used one of his former players at San Francisco as a selling point. Castleton was wrestling with the decision on his future at the time.
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“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. I’m hopeful that those conversations go the right way. And regardless, I want what’s best for him.”
The focal point of the Gators
Castleton will now be the centerpiece of Golden’s first Florida basketball team. He led Florida in scoring and rebounding in the 2021-22 season, averaging 16.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He racked up 10 double-doubles on the season and also managed to block 2.2 shots per game.
Castleton came to Florida as a transfer from Michigan. The new opportunity in Gainesville has allowed him to grow and thrive as a basketball player. He averaged less than eight minutes a game for the Wolverines, but has been the go-to guy for the Gators since his arrival.
