You Know How Florida is Ranked #3 Right Now? Yeah, Well They Just Got a Whole Lot Better

(Source) - Highly touted Florida Gators freshman Chris Walker has been cleared to play by the NCAA and will be eligible to make his collegiate debut Tuesday at home against Missouri.

The 6-foot-11 Walker, who was ranked 12th in the Class of 2013 by ESPN.com, has been in limbo since being admitted to Florida in December.

Walker has sat the last 12 games while the NCAA has investigated his amateur status.

The NCAA said in a statement that Walker received preferential treatment from five people -- including two agents. Walker will be required to donate the $270 he received from the agents to a charity, and will also serve 80 hours of community service for the remaining benefits received.

Walker is extremely talented and could wind up being a lottery pick, but Gators coach Billy Donovan has cautioned against expecting too much from the long and athletic big man.

The Gators already have veteran big men Patric Young and Will Yeguete. Expect Walker to fill a role for the Gators as a defensive-minded shot blocker who can come off the bench and add depth to the frontcourt.

Billy Donovan has "cautioned against expecting too much" from Chris 'Sky' Walker but fuck that noise.  I'm all about riding the hype train and when a freakishly athletic 6'11 All-American/Swagger Hound like Walker bursts onto the scene I take notice.  Now I'm not saying Florida needs him because they don't but if you don't think Walker is going to begin to log some serious minutes before the end of the season then you are outside of your mind.  Donovan is a great coach and he knows better than anyone that a guy like Walker can be a complete and utter savior come tournament time if something happens to one of your usual guys.  I'm not saying we can expect Julius Randle 2.0 down in Gainesville, but you can bet your ass that SkyWalker is going to be averaging about 20 or so minutes a game just in time to get a feel for the offense before March Madness.

PS - Umm Walker was under investigation for receiving money and cell phones and plane tickets, you name it.  When was the last time you knew a player like that to be comfortable with chilling on the bench and supporting the team as a role player?  Kid has superstar written all over him.