It’s evident that in the class of 2018 Devon Dotson, the polished floor general at Providence Day School in Charlotte, N.C. is one Florida’s top targets.
Currently the No. 34 ranked prospect in his class, the four-star Dotson took an unofficial visit to Gainesville last week with his parents.
Inside the Gators spoke to Dotson’s father, Dana Dotson, about the visit.
“We met with the entire coaching staff and toured the practice facility and arena,” Mr. Dotson said. “They talked a little about how they see Devon fitting in. They showed some videos about this past season and excitement around that. They should video clips of Devon and how similar his game is to what they currently do. We met with the strength coach, trainer, nutrition person, academic advisor, and career counselor. We took a campus tour and visited the dorms. Also, talked about the depth chart and their need for a point guard.”
Gators assistant coach Darris Nichols is leading Dotson’s recruitment but he is not the only Gators coach they hear from.
“Mike White calls a lot too. We appreciate that,” said Dotson. “We were in communication with them after the NCAA Tournament games. They’ve done a really good job with that program in the short time Coach White has been there. Devon likes the way they get up and down the court, he likes the way the guards are allowed to penetrate and makes things happen. Overall he likes the athleticism of the team. I think he was pleasantly surprised.”
ITG scouted Dotson last summer at the AAU Super Showcase in Orlando and in July 2015 at the Under Armour Finals in Atlanta. At 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, Dotson has a strong body, understands how to control tempo, and is adept at getting into the lane and making plays for his teammates. We saw his competitiveness and mental toughness on full display at the Super Showcase when, not fully recovered from an ankle injury he suffered earlier in the travel season, he played through back pain while helping his team get a semifinal win.
Originally from Chicago, the Dotson family moved to North Carolina about five years ago. Due to a robust high school basketball schedule, Dotson did not take many unofficial visits during his season but did squeeze in a trip to Kansas on February 4.
“He had a little break in his schedule that weekend,” Dotson said. “They had a pretty intense high school schedule so they were playing most weekends and it kind of worked out that particular weekend.”
We asked Dotson who his son is hearing from the most consistently.
“Florida, Kansas, Wake Forest, Villanova, lately Ohio State and Maryland, Creighton calls a lot, USC, Florida State here and there,” he said. “Probably those, I don’t think I left anyone out.”
Dotson added that his son, who will play for Team Charlotte in the Under Armour Association this travel season, should be narrowing his list soon. When that happens we expect Florida to still be on Dotson’s list and in good shape to get the family on campus again for an official visit and possible commitment.
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