Florida’s frontcourt solidified Sunday when forward Colin Castleton announced he would return to Gainesville for another year via Twitter.
The former Michigan Wolverine transferred to UF ahead of the 2020-21 season and made an immediate impact in the SEC with 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game on his way to a second-team All-SEC selection.
Castleton amassed three double-doubles, including both of Florida’s games in the NCAA Tournament, and four 20-point games. He led the Gators in rebounds and blocks (2.3 per game).
A two-time SEC Player of the Week, Castleton won the award on January 4 after a pair of 20-point games against Vanderbilt and LSU to open conference play. He won the award again February 1 after a 21-point, seven-rebound, five-block performance pushed the Gators to a road win over No. 11 West Virginia.
Castleton declared for the NBA Draft after the season, but retained his NCAA eligibility. His 25.8 minutes per game a year ago rank second among returning Gators, and he expects to feature heavily in Florida starting lineups again in 2021-22.