Tyree Appleby among ESPN’s top up-and-coming NCAA basketball newcomers

One of Gators men’s basketball’s newest editions via the transfer portal Tyree Appleby looks to lead the way this season for Mike White.

There is still more than a month before the 2020-21 Division I college basketball schedule starts on Nov. 25 but as the date creeps closer and teams continue to prepare for the season, it is time to start taking a look at some of the stories coming up over the horizon.

Jeff Borzello at ESPN published his Newcomer Impact Rankings on Monday, which lists the various freshmen and transfers from around men’s basketball most likely to lead their teams this season. One Florida Gator earned a mention: Cleveland State transfer guard Tyree Appleby, who came in at No. 34 on the 80-player list. Here is what Borzello had to say about the talented ballhandler.

34. Tyree Appleby, Florida (transfer): Not as highly touted as some other sit-out transfers, Appleby averaged 17.2 points and 5.6 assists for Cleveland State in 2018-19. Earned rave reviews last season out of Gainesville.

Appleby will likely step in for Andrew Nembhard — who utilized the transfer portal to leave Gainesville for the greener pastures of the Gonzaga Bulldogs — at the starting point guard position. Fellow transfer forward Andrew Duruji, who played previously at Louisiana Tech, will also be expected to contribute to Florida’s efforts this coming season.

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