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Saturday, December 21, 2024
<p>Guard Scottie Wilbekin looks to pass the ball against Nebraska-Kearney on Nov. 1 at the O’Connell Center. Wilbekin is suspended indefinitely.</p>

Guard Scottie Wilbekin looks to pass the ball against Nebraska-Kearney on Nov. 1 at the O’Connell Center. Wilbekin is suspended indefinitely.

Billy Donovan said Wednesday that he has not yet heard any ruling from the NCAA Clearinghouse concerning Chris Walker’s academic eligibility.

Walker is not in Gainesville for the Summer B semester. He is currently working on completing online courses so he can be academically cleared to play.

“The one thing that we’ve tried to explain to him is the work that he’s finishing up and doing, he doesn’t need to rush it,” Donovan said. “He just needs to get it done correctly, the right way. I think he’s working hard, trying to make sure that happens.”

The 6-foot-10 Walker, a McDonald’s All-American, is the No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2013, according to Rivals.com.

“We’re hopeful that it’ll be sooner than later, but he’s still got some work ahead of him,” Donovan said. “I think he’s trying really hard to get all that finished … He may or may not be here for fall semester. The one thing I feel like with Chris is that, just talking to him, is his commitment to Florida and wanting to be here. He wants to make that happen.”

Donovan also said he has not been in touch with Rutgers about transfer guard Eli Carter’s eligibility. In the aftermath of the Mike Rice scandal, Carter is hoping to receive clearance from Rutgers and a waiver from the NCAA to play for the Gators this season. Carter has yet to file an appeal.

“I really have stayed out of it,” Donovan said. “It’s something that Eli and his family need to do.”

Wilbekin still suspended: Senior Scottie Wilbekin (indefinite suspension) will not be a member of the team for the rest of the summer, Donovan said Wednesday.

“I’ll probably sit down and meet with him once the fall semester starts and go from there,” Donovan said.

Florida suspended Wilbekin, the Gators’ starting point guard last season, on June 10 for violating team rules. Under the terms of his suspension, he cannot participate in team activities at UF’s basketball practice facility until he is reinstated.

Florida also suspended Wilbekin on Nov. 8 for breaking team rules. He served a three-game suspension and returned to the team in mid-November.

“He’s got a row to hoe here a little bit, to get himself back,” Donovan said. “There’s some things out there in front of him that he needs to do now. He’s working hard and trying to do those things.

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“This is not a situation where this is going to be something that’s all of a sudden just going to be a quick fix.”

Yeguete, Young healing: Donovan said he expects forward Will Yeguete (right knee) to be ready for the start of fall practices.

On May 22, Yeguete underwent arthroscopic debridement on his knee – his second surgery on his right knee in a four-month span. After the procedure, doctors listed Yeguete’s time of recovery at about four months.

Yeguete no longer has to wear a restrictive right leg brace, Donovan said. The 6-foot-7 senior is currently walking on crutches.

“It’s going to be a long road for him – just the recovery, just the length of time – because of the surgery,” Donovan said. “But in terms of the healing process and him being back and him … being ready to play this year, I feel totally optimistic about that.”

Donovan also said center Patric Young (right ankle) is “progressing fine.” Young underwent surgery on April 12 to remove a bone spur from his ankle. He was not in Gainesville during Summer A but is currently working out with the team.

Contact Landon Watnick at lwatnick@alligator.org.

Guard Scottie Wilbekin looks to pass the ball against Nebraska-Kearney on Nov. 1 at the O’Connell Center. Wilbekin is suspended indefinitely.

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