Forward CJ Felder returns to Gators after stepping away from team
After leaving the team on Jan. 13, CJ Felder returns to the Florida Gators after a leave of absence due to personal reasons. Florida head basketball coach Todd Golden shared the news on Tuesday.
Before his leave of absence, Felder averaged 13 minutes a game during the 2022-23 season, averaging 2.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. Felder shot 53.6 percent from the floor this season.
The South Carolina native recorded his best game of the year against Kennesaw State, where he posted seven points, two steals, six rebounds and a block in a 88-78 win.
Gators happy to have Felder back
Already struggling with frontcourt depth, losing Felder was a blow to the Gators on and off the floor. The Gators relied on forwards Alex Fudge and Will Richard to step in next to Colin Castleton.
After Felder stepped away from the team, the Gators went 4-3, beating Missouri, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Tennessee. During Felder’s absence, UF dropped games to Texas A&M, Kentucky and Kansas State.
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“I’m definitely helpful,” Kyle Lofton said about Felder’s return. “He was just in the locker room right now. Seeing him with a smile on his face, I think it lifts up all of us. He’s definitely a guy that we would need. I’m not sure what his deal will be (Wednesday), but hopefully he gets back rolling.”
Upon leaving the team last month, Golden and the rest of the Florida Gators’ basketball staff were fully behind Felder.
“CJ Felder is going to take a little time away from the team for personal reasons,” Golden told the media last month. “Definitely nothing disciplinary. He’s still a part of our family and we love him. He’s going through a little bit of a time right now, and we’re leaving the door open for him to join the team again this season whenever he feels ready.”
Despite being away from the team, Felder continued to support his teammates and kept up with the Gators.
Felder will travel with the team to Tuscaloosa when the Gators take on the #3 Crimson Tide on Wednesday but is unlikely to play.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
