The wise writers over at Aligator Army have put together a piece examining the departure of guard Bradley Beal to the NBA Draft and what it means to the Florida Gators going forward.
They feel it could actually have some positive impact including the thinning out of Florida's over-stocked backcourt while freeing up a much-needed scholarship.
"If Beal had returned, Florida would have had either six or seven guards (it depends on if you count Casey Prather along with DeVon Walker) in its backcourt, and Beal and Kenny Boynton would likely have played most of the minutes at the off guard position. Scottie Wilbekin would have been your starting point guard, and played plenty of minutes, and Mike Rosario would have gotten a sizable role upgrade. That would have been a frustrating situation for Michael Frazier and Dillon Graham, both of whom are good enough to at least briefly see the court in their freshman years, but Beal obviated it with his departure."
They also feel that Beal's success will make it easy to find a replacement.
"Beal's success makes it clear that that player can become a Gator, play in Donovan's system at one of the nation's premier schools, and still leave for the NBA. The trail has been blazed. It will also be followed."
For more news and analysis on the Florida Gators including Bradley Beal's departure, make sure to stop by Aligator Army.