Five-Star Boynton Picks Gators

The Gator basketball team got a huge commitment on Thursday when the nation’s No. 2 shooting guard and No. 8 player overall picked the Gators. Kenny Boynton (6-2/185) from Plantation (FL) American Heritage took an official visit to Gainesville this past Saturday and it was evidently enough to tip the scale over Duke.

Kenny Boynton profile

“It's been a long process, and I've been blessed by God to get recruited by some of the best college coaches in America," Boynton said during his announcement on ESPNU. "My college choice is the Florida Gators."

"I took numerous visits, and I just felt comfortable with Billy Donovan. I'm going to be part of the family and help get them to a Final Four."

Boynton becomes the third commitment from the class of 2009, joining power forwards Erik Murphy and Deshawn Painter. The Gators will have to do something with their roster, however, because they currently have the limit 13 scholarships and only lose Walter Hodge at the end of the season.

Boynton becomes the second five-star prospect to commit to Florida in the last five years. Nick Calathes was also a five-star prospect. In 2004, Corey Brewer was also a top-rated prospect.

In Gainesville, Boynton will rejoin former teammate from American Heritage Eloy Vargas who is a freshman this season.

"I talk to Eloy Vargas almost everyday," Boynton said during his announcement. "He's a great player and I really look forward to playing with him next year."