Matt Walsh, a 6-6, 190 pound shooting guard/swingman from Germantown Academy, told us he is already preparing himself for the rugged Southeastern Conference.

Walsh, who scored 28 points in the Patriots' loss to St. Benedict's Prep at the Lehigh Valley Hoop Festival, signed with Florida back in the fall.

He had committed to the Gators last spring after also considering Maryland and other high major programs.

"As soon as the season ends, I am going to start lifting," Walsh said. "I am going to need more quickness and strength in order to play there next year."

Walsh said that the Florida staff is going to send up a a weight training program for him to follow. He is hoping to add 10 pounds before he goes down to Gainesville this summer to earn some credits.

Walsh has been a potent offensive force this year for Germantown, which has played a challenging national caliber schedule.

On Saturday in the loss to St. Benedict's, Walsh's three pointer wasn't falling, so he did the smart thing and started driving to the basket. The result was that he scored many points on tough drives and drew fouls, getting to the charity stripe.

A gifted offensive player, Walsh has a motor and a competitive fire that should suit him well at Florida next year.

"My sophomore and junior year I had a real reputation as a gunner," Walsh said. "But playing with the Raleigh Heat this past summer changed my game, because I could drop the ball of to Shavlik [Randolph] or Shelden [Williams] for dunks."

Walsh said he has had the chance to speak with Gators Head Coach Billy Donovan throughout the season, though he had not spoken with him since Florida had suffered a three game losing streak.

The Gators have lots of firepower returning to their lineup next season, and Walsh at a minimum should provide excellent depth and scoring punch off the bench.