Florida basketball recruiting: Gators add F Sam Alexis out of transfer portal from Chattanooga

Basketball

0

Image Credit: Bryce Mitchell, UAA

Fresh off their most successful regular season in nearly a decade, Florida Gators basketball is once again tasked with retooling its roster this offseason, though this time, it will be more of a refresh than an overhaul. Kicking off the roster rebuild is Chattanooga forward Sam Alexis, who committed to Florida out of the transfer portal.

Alexis is presently unranked as a transfer prospect, but it did not take long for the Gators to offer — or for him to commit — to the program as he did so just a day after officially visiting UF.

The incoming junior from Apopka, Florida, averaged 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season for the Mocs, his first as a starter with the program. That included nine double-double games and 13 contests with double-digit rebounding efforts.

As with any transfer, how they will acclimate to a new university and program remains an unknown. However, head coach Todd Golden’s track record with transfers — particularly big men — has been substantially positive since he arrived in Gainesville.

While not a direct replacement, Alexis will be part of the effort to make up for the loss of F Tyrese Samuel, a high-level starter for the Gators who ran out of eligibility after the 2023-24 season. Point guard Zyon Pullin’s similar departure will leave a hole at point guard, which will be a position of emphasis for Golden to replace through the portal.

Starting center Micah Handlogten, who will be a junior next season, is expected to be iffy to start the season after suffering a significant leg injury during the 2024 SEC Tournament.

Meanwhile, starting guard Walter Clayton Jr., who had a breakout campaign last season, entered his name in the 2024 NBA Draft with an option to return. He said he will only come back to college to play at Florida if he chooses not to pursue a professional career immediately. At this time, the expectation is that Clayton will likely return to the Gators for one final season, though his draft evaluation could certainly change that outcome.