More from Austin Rivers on Gators decommitment

Five-star 2011 guard recruit Austin Rivers (Winter Park, FL) decommitted from the Florida Gators and re-opened his recruitment last Thursday. Sunday, Rivers spoke with CarolinaBlue.com to further explain his reasoning.

Though some believed this decision was a long time coming, Rivers said it only became a thought about a month ago. He plans to make his decision in August and, from some of his comments, the Gators appear to legitimately still be at the top of his consideration list.

Check out what Austin Rivers had to say about Kenny Boynton, Billy Donovan and Florida being a football-first school…after the break!

“I’m really close with Kenny Boynton. I grew up playing against him,” Rivers said. “[Head coach Billy Donovan is] very special, man. He’s a great coach, great guy. He supported me, and he told he still loves me, and I love him as a coach, and he’s said he’s going to be there and recruit the heck out of me.”

Rivers implied that Donovan knew his decision was coming because of all of the rumors. He also provided some insight into why Florida may not be the choice for him anymore.

“I want to go to a program where it’s the big stage. If you can shine on the prime time stage, you’re pretty much good,” he said.

What about the Gators being a football-first school?

“Yeah, they are. You know, I chose [them] right after they won two national championships when they were prime time,” Rivers said. “So they’ve kind of had a difficult couple of years rebuilding, but they’re getting better and better and made the tournament this year. I really don’t look at people’s success the year I wasn’t there. I look at how good they’re gonna be when I get there, because that’s all that matters.”

“I love Florida. I love Florida the same way I do when I committed. I just feel like I’ve gotta look at all opportunities. […] I’ve only got one choice to make this right, so I really feel it’s important to be able to compare. I need more schools than Duke and Florida. I didn’t really think it’s right to compare just those two, so that’ll make it a lot easier.”

OGGOA will continue to stay on top of Rivers’ recruitment as more information is made available and he nears a final decision.

Photo Credit: Rivals.com