Eli Carter to Florida, Hurley Expects Him to Get Waiver

Florida is making a habit out of landing transfer guards from Rutgers.

For the second time in four years, a former Rutgers and St. Anthony guard is headed to Florida.

Last time around it was Mike Rosario,  now it’s Eli Carter.

And he could end up getting a hardship waiver to play right away.

“Proud to announce that I will be continuing my career at the University of Florida !! #Gators,” the 6-foot-2 Carter Tweeted.

Carter was supposed to visit Maryland later this week, but that visit won’t be necessary.

“The opportunity to play is certainly there and I know the visit went extremely well,” Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley told SNY.tv. “He was very impressed with the entire package they have, player development, weight training, athletic facilities, the tutelage under [head coach Billy] Donovan. And very strong in this is [assistant] Rashon Burno being there.”

Carter averaged 14.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists before fracturing his right fibula in mid-February against DePaul.

Echoing comments grassroots basketball legend Sonny Vaccaro told SNY.tv, Hurley said he expected that all the Rutgers transfers should — and would — get waivers to play right away in 2013-14 considering the extenuating circumstances of the Mike Rice firing.

“I think the NCAA  would give these kids eligibility,” Hurley said. “He’s gonna be right in there. He’ll be down there and working as soon as he’s able to. He loves basketball. He’s gotta take the next step now.

Carter is the second former Rutgers player to finalize his next step, following junior wing Mike Poole, who announced plans to transfer to Iona.

Sophomore guard Jerome Seagears will announce Wednesday for Auburn or Arkansas.

Photo: ESPN.com