Is Austin Rivers considering a jump from Gators to Wildcats?

Normally I don't like to comment on other schools recruits and I have been avoiding a discussion on the 2011 class until the 2010 basketball class is all signed and delivered. So I am breaking my own rules because 1) this is an Orlando story and 2) it is a pretty good sign of what to expect from a lot of "early commits" right now.

Austin Rivers, the number #4 recruit and #1 SG in 2011 and currently an oral commitment for UF, is denying rumors that he is re-opening his commitment. Seems he was quoted on a couple of recruiting sites that he "may take a look at some schools, just to see other places". UK and Duke were mentioned as possible destinations he was looking at. Once the firestorm hit, Rivers said that he is still very much a Gator and does not plan to re-open his commitment. However once you have commited, you do not just go visit other schools. That involves a de-commitment.

This is interesting for a couple of reasons. One is that Rivers is a very good friend of Brandon Knight and is trying to get Knight to come to UF. Knight of course is mentioned as some pundits as a Kentucky lean, if not a sure shot. They said it, I didn't. Could Brandon Knight to UK open the door to Rivers to look around also.

Secondly, Austin's dad is Doc Rivers, coach of the Celtics. Doc obviously knows what college coaches best prepare players for the NBA and as of now, Calapari holds the edge over Donovan. It's interesting to note that when Austin committed in the ninth grade, it was a different landscape in college basketball and Donovan was THE coach. Now that his star has dimmed, one would think the allure of playing in a half full stadium in Gainesville would dissipate as well.

I do love the quote from Austin however. He said he wanted Knight to come to Florida because "I'm trying to get Florida to be a power when I get there". Oh wait. Florida's not a power NOW? Heh.
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As much as I did not think we were in the running for this guy, it appears that Joe Jackson will be visiting UK in October and could be a guest at Midnight Madness. In another article, Jackson said that Calipari had told him that he was Cal's top target at PG. the PG madness continues...

Last bit of news --- don't forget to vote in the UK rivals poll to the right...