After weeks of speculation, Florida officially announced that transfer center Damontre Harris is officially no longer with the team, according to Kevin Brockway of the The Gainsville Sun.
Florida announces C Damontre Harris officially no longer with team.
— Gatorhoops (@gatorhoops) December 21, 2013
Harris transferred to the Gators from South Carolina after averaging 6.8 points, 5.5 boards and 2.1 blocks as a sophomore, but never suited up for the Gators after being suspended earlier this season.
In a statement from head coach Billy Donovan, the coach noted that Harris was never disrespectful but didn’t earn his way back on to Florida’s roster and he also left the program in good academic standing.
In statement, Donovan said Damontre Harris was never disrespectful but didn't do things necessary to get back on the team.
— Gatorhoops (@gatorhoops) December 21, 2013
Billy D said that Damontre Harris finished fall semester in good academic standing, so his leaving won't negatively affect UF's APR.
— Gatorhoops (@gatorhoops) December 21, 2013
Harris will likely seek a transfer and may do so without restrictions, according to Brockway.
While the loss of Harris will hurt the Gators’ interior depth, this looked like it was inevitable about a month ago and with McDonald’s All-American Chris Walker returning to practice it shouldn’t be the biggest loss for Florida, as they look like a potential title contender going forward without Harris.