New head coach Todd Golden is set to see another player from Florida’s roster last season not return. Gators forward [autotag]Anthony Duruji[/autotag] announced on Friday that he will declare for the NBA draft on Friday and will forgo the rest of his college eligibility.
“First, I would like to express my gratitude and say how grateful I am for my time at Florida,” Duruji wrote on Twitter. “I’m thankful for Coach White and the whole coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to further my college career. Huge thank you to Gator Nation & the community of Gainesville. I am blessed to have found my wife and become a Gator graduate. I have gained such great relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
He also thanked his teammates, mentors and advisers that have helped him along the way before announcing his intention to enter the NBA draft.
Duruji spent the past two seasons with the Gators after he started his college career at Louisiana Tech. He finished his career at Florida, averaging 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. In his final season, Duruji posted an average of 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
His departure likely won’t be the last player for Florida and Golden this offseason. Center [autotag]Colin Castleton[/autotag] could elect to take the same route as Duruji after he tested the NBA waters last offseason. Point guard [autotag]Tyree Appleby[/autotag] plans to use his fifth year of eligibility but isn’t sure where yet.
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