Prather will help Florida's pressure D
Wednesday's announcement that Casey Prather (Jackson, Tenn./North Side) is committing to Florida over Michigan gives the Gators one of the elite athletes in the 2010 class.
Prather, a small forward who is the No. 25-ranked senior in the nation, has great athletic ability and excellent size, at 6-foot-6. His strongest suit, to this point, probably is his prowess on the defensive end of the court. On the perimeter, he moves very well laterally and has the fearless mindset required to lock down the opponents' top scoring threat. Because of his athletic ability, he can defend the 1 through 3 spots. He also is a skilled rebounder who can start the break off the glass.
To find out how Prather fits in at Florida, you must be an Insider. 
Offensively, Prather, whose game resembles that of former L.A. Laker Michael Cooper, is at his best in transition where he consistently finishes above the rim. He's a pure slasher who scores off the dribble. His midrange game is good, but he is streaky at best from outside 18 feet. Really, the lack of consistent jumper is the only thing preventing Prather from being an elite talent. It's also worth noting that he can score consistently off the offensive glass.
Prather will be a perfect fit in Florida's system. Defensively, his athleticism and length will make him an absolute terror in the Gators' full-court press. Conversely, their fast-paced offensive game plans will give him plenty of those transition opportunities in which he excels.
Prather is Florida's second 2009 recruit. Like Prather, longtime Florida commit Patric Young (Jacksonville, Fla./Providence School) is a defensive force. The 6-9 prospect can control the paint on the defensive end as effectively as any player in the 2010 class. With these two in tow, the Gators could be a very stingy team on defense. (It's also worth pointing out that the Gators surely will have a spot in our next recruiting class rankings after being on the outside when we put them out earlier this month.)
I am sure there's delight over this news in Gainesville, but I don't know how big a surprise it is. In recent years, Billy Donovan has been one of the nation's best recruiters. The Gators recruit good players and elite athletes. Any time Florida gets involved in the recruiting process, it can do so well because it has the facilities, experienced coaches and all the things that attract kids. Getting Prather and Young is evident that the beat goes on for Billy Donovan at Florida.
Reggie Rankin is a recruiting coordinator for ESPN Scouts Inc. Rankin was a Division I assistant coach for 14 seasons, including stints at Boston University, Wyoming, Ohio, Georgia, Nebraska and Dayton.
