Chris Walker, one of the top recruits in the Class of 2013, may not enroll at Florida until December while he clears up some academic work, according to a report in USA Today.
Florida coach Billy Donovan told the paper that the 6-foot-10 Walker wants to be at Florida “however long that takes.”
Walker is the Rivals No. 1-ranked center in the Class of 2013 and is considered a future NBA prospect.
Meantime, Donovan told USA Today that guard Scottie Wilbekin will eventually play this season after he was suspended for a violation of team rules.
“I do expect him to play,” Donovan told the paper. “Obviously, he was suspended for the summer. He’s still suspended right now. He’s not part of our team. I do believe he will play, provided he does all of the things we’ve been asking him to do. He’s been really, really good up until this point in time.
“He’s very, very remorseful, and I think he’s disappointed in himself and letting the team down. Right now, he’s got to show and prove that he really wants to be here and be part of the team.”
Rutgers transfer Eli Carter is also expected to receive a waiver to be able to play immediately at Florida this season, an NCAA source told SNY.tv.
His former teammates, Derrick Randall (Pittsburgh), Mike Poole (Iona) and Vincent Garrett (Green Bay), have all received waivers in the wake of the Mike Rice situation.
“I haven’t heard anything yet,” Donovan said. “The family has to be involved, so the family is dealing with Rutgers. We’re really not involved as an institution. We’ve kind of tried to help direct Eli and his family on the proper channels to go through, but they’ve got to kind of do it on their own for the appeal.”
He added: “He’s running and shooting and doing those things, but he’s still got a ways to go before he’s cleared to play,” Donovan said.
