For the second time in five days, a member of coach Billy Donovan’s 2012 recruiting class has left Florida.
Forward DeVon Walker has been granted his release to transfer from UF, the school announced Monday. Walker’s decision comes less than a week after point guard Braxton Ogbueze announced his intent to transfer from Florida.
“...........One of the best years of my life,” Walker posted on his Twitter account (@DeVonWalker25). “New friends, new experiences, & new knowledge. Thankful for the opportunity at UF. Goodbye.”
Said Donovan in a release: “DeVon has a bright future, and we hope for the best for him wherever he chooses to go.”
Walker said via Twitter on May 1 that Ogbueze was his “roommate, right hand man, best friend & psychiatrist all in 1.”
A Winter Haven native, Walker arrived at Florida as the No. 142 recruit and No. 31 small forward in his class, according to Rivals.com.
Like Ogbueze, Walker rarely saw significant minutes outside the final minutes of routs.
Averaging four minutes per game, the 6-foot-6, 191-pound Walker scored 20 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked four shots in 25 contests during his freshman season.
Walker’s decision to transfer puts Florida at 11 scholarship players – two below the NCAA maximum.
Freshman DeVon Walker runs down the court during Florida’s 83-52 win against Missouri on Jan. 19 in the O’Connell Center. Walker announced Monday he will return to Florida after asking for his release to transfer on May 6.
