A few weeks after saying he was enamored with new Florida coach Michael White, three-star 2016 power forward prospect John Mooney has decided to de-commit from the Gators.
Mooney, a Lake Brantley High standout, did not return immediate calls seeking comment. A source close to Mooney said he met with White two days ago. Mooney’s de-commitment was first reported Thursday by Rivals.com’s Russ Wood.
“He told Coach White that he wanted to explore options that were out there,” the source said. “De-committing is a strong word. There’s still an outside chance he could decide to play for the Gators. But he committed to Florida when he was 15 years old, under Coach (Billy) Donovan and his staff. So I’m sure that had an effect.”
The source also said that Mooney played well at Florida’s Elite Camp to weeks ago and that the new UF coaching staff felt he could fit their system.
Mooney projects as a stretch power forward in college. similar to former Gator forward Erik Murphy. At 6-foot-9, Mooney has shooting range out to the 3-point line.
Before attending Florida Elite camp, Mooney said all conversations between himself and the coaching staff had been positive.
“I’m going to continue to grow my game and continue to do whatever coach White needs me to do when I get there,” Mooney said last month.
With Mooney out of the fold, Florida currently has no commitments lined up for its 2016 class. Eric Hester, a four-star 2016 combo guard from Oldsmar (Fla) Christian school, is taking an official visit to UF the first weekend of September.
