Regardless of how the 2012-13 season ends, the future looks bright for Florida.
Florida’s incoming 2013 class includes a pair of in-state McDonald’s All-Americans — 6-foot-10 power forward Chris Walker of Bonifay and 6-1 point guard Kasey Hill of Eustis.
Florida assistant coach Matt McCall spearheaded the efforts of recruiting both standouts and has kept tabs on them since they signed their letters of intent in November. McCall was in Lakeland to watch Walker lead Holmes County to the Class A state title four weeks ago. Walker averaged 25 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks in the state semifinal and final games.
“(Chris) put together a performance in that state championship tournament that was second-to-none,” McCall said. “Again, another kid who plays with a great motor and will fit in nicely.”
Hill plays for a private school, Montverde Academy, that is not involved with the Florida High School Athletic Association. But he has traveled the country playing with against high-caliber players. At the renowned City of Palms Tournament in Fort Myers last December, Hill led Montverde to the title, finishing with 9 points and 6 assists in the title game. He averaged 5 assists for the tournament.
“Kasey Hill, his team, all they do is win,” McCall said. “And he’s the head of the monster for that team, his unselfishness is so underrated. A lot of these higher-rated point guards in the country are shoot-first point guard and he’s not. He takes great pride in getting his teammates involved.”
In that sense, Hill has evolved. Hill still has the quickness to create his own shot (recruiting analysts have compared him to John Wall and Rajon Rondo), but has matured from his gunner days early in high school career. McCall said he’s also noticed a chance in Hill’s work ethic and focus on both ends of the floor.
“Winning is the most important thing to him.,” McCall said. “He could go out and get 30 every night and he doesn’t want to that. He wants to win and he’s on the best team in the country and they do that.”
