Gators receive Walter Hodge's letter of intent

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The University of Florida men's basketball team added its fourth in-state product to its incoming class, as the Gators received a National Letter of Intent Friday morning from point guard Walter Hodge, a product of Florida Air Academy in Melbourne.

Hodge was named the Florida Gatorade State Player of the Year and finished third in the voting for Florida's Mr. Basketball after averaging 25.4 points per game, 5.4 steals and 4.2 assists as Florida Air Academy went undefeated and won the Florida Class 3A state title.

"We're very excited to have Walter as a part of our program," said Florida head coach Billy Donovan. "Walter adds speed, quickness and shooting to our backcourt. He has the potential to be a very good defender and is coming out of a great high school program, so we're certainly excited to have him join us."

A 6-foot left-hander, Walter Hodge was voted Most Valuable Player of the state tournament after scoring 33 points in the title game.

Hodge was twice selected first team Class 3A and his squad also went undefeated and claimed the state title in 2003. A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, he began attending Florida Air Academy his sophomore year.