Thursday, February 10, 2011

Billy Donovan open to idea of Jacoby Brissett joining UF basketball team

GAINESVILLE – The Florida football team wasn't the only squad on campus interested in Jacoby Brissett's decision.

When Brissett, who is rated as the third-best dual-threat quarterback in the 2011 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, announced his intention to become a Gator last Friday, the basketball team also gained a potential commitment.

The 6-foot-5, 225 pound prospect is also a three-star basketball recruit and has made it known that he has a desire to play on the hardwood and become a two-sport star on the college level.

"As far as I'm concerned, and I have talked to Will [Muschamp], if he wants to be a part of our team, he is more than welcome to do that — I have told Jacoby that," coach Billy Donovan said. "… There's no doubt in my mind when I watch him play, if he dedicated all his time to basketball, he could definitely play here at Florida. I think he is a very, very good player."

But there are some hurdles that come along with balancing both roles.


Former Gators tight end Cornelius Ingram came to Gainesville with the twp-sport plan and played in 19 basketball games in his freshman season. However, that only lasted one year as he quickly decided to focus on football.

Donovan believes Brissett will have to make a similar choice if he takes on both sports.

"I think what's going to end up happening is that he is going to have to make a decision," Donovan said. "… If he wants to miss all of spring practice and Will is OK with that, where does that set him up now, coming back in the summer time? How far does he get behind?"