Monday morning ended a weekend full of anticipation when the #15 ranked player in the ESPNU Super 60, Brad Beal, announced that he would attend the University of Florida in the fall 0f 2011. The Gators were one of six schools that Beal had considered, but in the end, Beal just felt like Florida was the place for him.
During a weekend visit to Gainesville last year Beal had the opportunity to, not only, take in the Gators football game against South Carolina, but he also had the opportunity to see the basketball team take on Toledo. After learning more about the University from an academic standpoint during his visit, Beal fell in love with the University and felt that Gainesville was the place for him.
“It’s a great school and I knew I really loved it down there after I made a visit,” said Beal of Florida. “The coaches were great and the academics were too. When I visited I wanted to commit then, but I wanted to hold off to see other schools and talk to their academic advisers,” added Beal.
During his brief press conference, Beal had six hats that represented the remaining schools on his list. Beal had a Florida hat as well as hats for Missouri, Ohio State, Illinois, Duke and Kansas displayed in front of him. According to some, the Jayhawks seemed to be the likely choice heading into the press conference. According to Beal, the Jayhawks were his second choice.
“Yeah they were,” said Beal about Kansas being his second choice. “I didn’t know who was going to be there when I got there, and I didn’t want to be the only guy there. I know that they would have had good kids, but I didn’t know who. Florida has Austin Rivers committed, and Brandon Knight is a possibility,” added Beal.
The Jayhawks don’t have any commitments in the 2011 class at this time, but even as that changes over the next year, Beal appears to be solid about his commitment to the Gators.
“I’m solid with my decision right now. I’m good with it,” Beal said.
As for Rivers, the #2 ranked player in the ESPNU Super 60, there has been speculation that he will de-commit from the Gators and re-open his recruitment. Although it still remains a possibility, Beal won’t let that change his mind.
“I trust in his decision and I really hope he stays there and stays solid with Florida,” Beal said about Rivers remaining committed to the Gators. “Not really. I didn’t base my decision on him, but that it’s just a great school. I just did what my heart and God told me to do,” added Beal.
Beal has yet to have the opportunity to call coaches, but it is something he plans to do throughout the day. According to Beal, the Kansas coaching staff attended Chaminade’s Red/White game this past weekend to once again show their interest in the 6’3″, 180 pound SG. Despite ultimately choosing Florida, Beal would have been comfortable if he’d chosen the Jayhawks on Monday.
