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Florida forward Dorian Finney-Smith to return for final season of eligibility

Dorian Finney-Smith

AP Photo

AP

After leading the team in both scoring and rebounding this season, Florida redshirt junior forward Dorian Finney-Smith was thought to be considering the possibility of passing up his final season of eligibility. Thursday it was announced by the school that Finney-Smith has decided to return to Gainesville for his final year of eligibility, giving the Gators some experience in the front court.

“I feel like we’ll have a great team coming back and we’re going to do what it takes to lift the program back and play basketball the Florida culture way,” Finney-Smith said according to the school. “I got better, but it was a learning experience being a leader. Now, I’m anxious to build on everything I learned.”

Finney-Smith, a second team All-SEC selection, averaged 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Gators this season. Florida’s 16-17 record was their first losing season since 1997-98, and issues such as depth and inconsistency were present throughout. Florida adds USF transfer John Egbunu to the front court rotation next season, and they also have big men Noah Dickerson and Kevarrius Hayes as players who have signed a national letter of intent.

In total Florida has four commitments in the Class of 2015, with guard KeVaughn Allen and forward Keith Stone being the others. Among the other returnees Florida should have are rising juniors Kasey Hill and Chris Walker, with Michael Frazier II having already decided to enter the 2015 NBA Draft.