JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The NBA draft is the next stop for former Riverside High and University of Florida star Alex Fudge.
On Monday, the sophomore forward announced he would forgo his final two seasons in college and enter the draft. In a statement posted on Twitter, Fudge (6-9, 200 pounds) said he would remain focused on getting his college degree while shifting his basketball focus to a professional career.
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Forever Gator Nation 🐊💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/pYMTPbGRWT
— Alex Fudge (@iam_AlexFudge) April 17, 2023
“Special thanks to Coach Golden and the staff for allowing me the opportunity to become part of the Gator family, along with my loved ones who supported me throughout the years,” Fudge wrote. “With one semester remaining I will remain diligent to graduate and obtain my bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Florida.”
Fudge started his career at LSU and then transferred to the Gators last year following a coaching change in Baton Rouge. He averaged 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in his lone season in Gainesville. Fudge started 11 games at Florida.
His departure means that second-year coach Todd Golden will have four spots in the lineup to fill. Both forward positions will feature new players in 2023-24. CJ Felder left via the portal. Golden signed EJ Jarvis as a graduate transfer from Yale.
Unlike professional football and baseball, the NBA draft has been difficult through the years for area stars to make a constant impact in.
Area players selected in the NBA draft
Player, Local tie, NBA team, Round, Pick, Year
Kwame Brown, Glynn Academy, Washington Wizards, 1, 1, 2001
Roger Strickland, Bishop Kenny/JU, LA Lakers, 1, 7, 1963
Dee Brown, Bolles/JU, Boston Celtics, 1, 19, 1990
Grayson Allen, Providence, Utah Jazz, 1, 21, 2018
Udoka Azubuike, Potter’s House, Utah Jazz, 1, 27, 2020
Truck Robinson, Raines, Washington Bullets, 2, 22, 1974
James Collins, Jackson, LA Clippers, 2, 36, 1997
Norris Coleman, Paxon, LA Clippers, 2, 38, 1988
Otis Smith, Forrest/JU, Denver Nuggets, 2, 41, 1986
* Was selected in fourth round of 1962 draft by Boston but did not sign