Florida scored a recruitment win on Wednesday, when in-state star Malik Reneau announced his intention to sign with UF. Mike White and company beat out schools such as Miami, Florida State and Memphis to land the four-star forward after a battle that came down to the final week.
Below, Rivals.com has a look at what Florida is getting in the talented Reneau and examines what it means for the bigger picture of UF hoops.
WHAT FLORIDA IS GETTING
Reneau has long been a high-IQ prospect with incredible physical tools and a knack for passing out of the post. His rise in the rankings this summer was based on his development from a skill perspective, particularly on the offensive end. The four-star forward jumped from No. 52 to No. 24 in the last refresh based on a run that saw him show an increased ability to create his own shot and display more physicality against elite level competition on both the EYBL circuit and at the NBAPA Top-100 Camp. Reneau impacts games on the glass even when his shot isn’t going. At his best, he’s a well-rounded box score stuffer that is a threat to post a double-double, At his worst, he’s a steadying presence that will help his team win on the glass and by always making the right choices with the ball in his hands. He has the size and the skill set to play majo minutes for the Gators next season.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE GATORS
Reneau’s commitment marks a massive in-state victory for the UF, as Mike White’s staff was able to hold off both Florida State and hometown Miami to land the four-star prospect. The situation also serves as a win for a mostly new and young UF staff that has now made a bold statement about how it intends to recruit to Gainesville. First-year assistant coach Erik Pastrana spearheaded Reneau’s recruitment, and the fact that he managed to win out in the end should be encouraging for Gator fans focused on the future. A Miami native, Pastrana has deep ties to the region and the state at large and has managed to flex them early in his UF tenure. If Reneau’s recruitment is an indicator of things to come, there’s reason for Gator optimism on the trail.
IN HIS WORDS
“It’s easy to talk to coach [Pastrana]. He talks to me every other day, really trying to build a relationship with me and it’s just been like that for the past year or so,” Reneau said. “He likes that I’m a versatile type of player, that I can play inside, outside, handling the ball and being able to do a little bit of everything on the court.” -- Reneau to Rivals.com’s Corey Bender following his official visit to Florida.
