Beal to Florida; Gators Chomp in 2011?

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007, Florida could be poised to get back into the championship picture within the next two years.

No, this isn’t a huge knee-jerk reaction to the Gators’ win over Michigan State last week – although I will say that I was one of the few people to rank Florida in the preseason.

The main reason behind my above proclamation is today’s announcement by 2011 prospect Bradley Beal that he will be headed to Florida in two years. Beal is one of the top players in his class, and will make an immediate impact at both ends of the floor in the SEC.

Combine his commitment with a verbal commitment from top-five 2011 prospect Austin Rivers and the presence of freshman Kenny Boynton, and Billy Donovan will have possibly the most talented perimeter group in the country in two years.

Throw in sophomores Erving Walker, Ray Shipman, Kenny Kadji and Erik Murphy and 2010 signees Casey Prather and Patric Young, and the Gators are going to be absolutely loaded in 2011.

Of course, there are plenty of things that can go wrong with this scenario: Boynton could turn pro after this season or next, and Rivers has been rumored to be seriously considering Duke despite his verbal to Florida.

However, if Boynton returns to Florida for his junior season, and Rivers follow through on his commitment, expect the Gators to be near the top of the national rankings in 2011.