Speights Signing with Agent, Staying in Draft

As reported by multiple outlets earlier today, Florida sophomore big man Marreese Speights has decided to sign with an agent, ending any chance he had of returning to the Gators for his junior season. "It was a hard decision,'' Speights told the St. Petersburg Times. "But we had a good conversation. Coach [Billy] Donovan understood. He always said he wants what's best for me.'' Donovan backed Speights' decision. "I completely support his decision, this is what he wants to do,'' he said in a statement. "I wish him nothing but the best of luck on June 26 and in the future.'' The 6-10 Speights is expected to sign with agent Andy Miller of ASM Sports. Speights' former AAU coach, Matt Ramker, said that a decision was not made until numerous people were spoken to regarding the situation. "It took a lot of conversations with coach and a lot of people the last two weeks so we could make the best decision for Marreese,'' Ramker said. Speights, who is expected to be drafted in the middle of the first round, averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season.