Florida basketball and coach Mike White received impactful news to its 2020 roster on Saturday.
Guard Andrew Nembhard announced his intent to withdraw from the NBA draft and transfer from the program after spending two seasons at UF, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.
Nembhard, a native of Ontario, arrived in Gainesville as a five-star recruit and the No. 23 recruit (No. 6 point guard).
The rising junior had previously declared for the NBA Draft on April 26, making this the second year in a row he has declared for the draft.
He was a two-year starter at Florida and averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 assists per game last season. He also led the team in minutes (1,031).
Nembhard had been one of two Gators, along with guard Tre Mann, from last season’s squad whose status was still in limbo. Leading scorer Keyontae Johnson and guard Scottie Lewis previously announced they were returning for their junior and sophomore seasons, respectively.
The 6-foot-5 product is the second player to leave UF since season’s end after forward Dontay Bassett in March.
The Gators’ guard lineup now consists of sophomores Ques Glover and Mann, if he returns, along with Cleveland State transfer Tyree Appleby.
Nembhard is expected to be highly sought after on the market, and his departure could allow Florida to play with a faster tempo come November.
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Noah is a third year journalism-sports and media student from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He has been with The Alligator since Spring 2019 and has covered men’s and women’s tennis, gymnastics and volleyball. When he isn’t on his beat, Noah is usually sadden over his beloved South Florida sports teams, such as the Heat and Dolphins.