Chris Walker's season-opening suspension is a bad omen for Florida
One year after Florida shook off a flurry of early-season suspensions and injuries to capture the SEC title and advance to the Final Four, the Gators will be starting another year shorthanded.
Florida coach Billy Donovan announced Wednesday that forward Chris Walker has been suspended for the Gators' exhibition opener and their first two regular season games after violating an unspecified team rule. Donovan also told reporters in Gainesville that highly touted 6-foot-5 incoming freshman Brandone Francis will not play this season for academic reasons, though he will remain on campus.
While Francis would have been a valuable reserve behind Michael Frazier at shooting guard, the suspension of Walker may be an even greater concern. Florida desperately needs the 6-foot-10 sophomore to perform like a McDonald's All-American this season after an underwhelming freshman year.
Walker arrived late last season due to academic issues and was used sparingly behind Patric Young and Will Yeguete. He averaged 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds off the bench, displaying high-flying athleticism in flashes but also disappearing for long stretches and getting lost on defense.
A starting spot is there for the taking for Walker this season with Florida's entire starting frontcourt having graduated, but the sophomore needs to prove to Donovan he's reliable. The Florida coach praised Walker's rebounding and athleticism but acknowledged he has "a long way to go" scoring with his back to the basket and defending his position.
The suspension of Walker is potentially damaging for Florida as the Gators open against CAA contender William & Mary and much improved Miami. Nonetheless, Florida proved last season it can win shorthanded when Scottie Wilbekin, Kasey Hill, Walker and others missed time in November and December.
- - - - - - -
Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
