Florida Basketball: Analyzing impact of Kowacie Reeves and Colin Castleton

Colin Castleton’s potential impact

Castleton is not eligible to play this upcoming season as a transfer. But the 6-11 big man will be a significant addition to the Gators’ frontcourt when he is eligible as the Gators have been undersized in the frontcourt over the recent seasons. Castleton didn’t see a ton of time during his tenure with the Wolverines though he did see a slight uptick this past season.

The Daytona Beach native likely won’t ever become a starter, but he could potentially earn 10 to 15 minutes a game and provide rim-protection as well as defensive rebounding. Castleton, who has a soft touch around the rim, averaged 3.1 points, on 54% shooting from the field, along with 2.4 rebounds. He scored in double-figures in two of his 25 appearances last season.

UF currently only has Omar Payne, Jason Jitoboh, and junior college transfer Osayi Osifo in the frontcourt. However, Payne is a candidate to leave for the NBA next season. Payne saw uneven minutes this past season as he made seven starts last year but saw only 20 minutes in seven total contests. The 6-10 forward compiled one double-double and scored in double-figures twice. Meanwhile, Jitoboh saw minimal playing time this past season, topping the 10-minute mark on just three occasions where he compiled 3.3 points as well as 3.3 boards in those contests.

Osifo will be counted on to come off the bench to fill in at the four or possibly the five if the Gators decide to go small. The 6-8 forward, with a wingspan of over seven feet, totaled 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field at Eastern Florida State this past season. He can score in the post and does have the ability to stretch the defense with his shooting though the Texas native could improve in that area. He likes to operate at the elbows and thrived in transition. Osifo is a staunch team defender though he still has areas of growth on that end as well.