Highly Regarded Center John Bol Commits to Florida Gators

The Florida Gators add their second member of the 2024 recruiting class in the form of the nation's No. 23 overall player John Bol.

© Andrew West/The News-Press / USA TODAY NETWORK

Todd Golden and Co. continue to strike gold on the recruiting trail.

Freshly removed from the Gators' addition of two transfer prospects — guards Zyon Pullin and Julian Rishwain — to fill two of the three remaining scholarship spots for the 2023-24 season, Florida dipped into the 2024 ranks to secure a lauded center addition on Saturday afternoon.

Sunrise Christian (Wichita, Kan.) product John Bol pledged himself to the Gators over interest from Missouri, Michigan, UConn, USC and other members of his top eight. As the No. 23 overall prospect in his cycle, Bol becomes the highest-rated Florida commit since Scottie Lewis (No. 7) and Tre Mann (No. 21) in the 2019 class. 

Standing at 7-foot-1, 190 pounds, Bol presents the size and length coveted for its frontcourt under the new staff, cherishing the presence of true rim protectors. However, despite adding 7-footer Micah Handlogten from the transfer portal this offseason, no player runs parallel to Bol in the wingspan department.

Using that attribute to serve in an uber-productive capacity on the defensive end at the prep level and on the travel ball circuit, Bol caught the eye of many top programs around the country. 

Florida joined the fold in October. The program hosted him on an unofficial visit on April 21.

He accounted for nine rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game in 27 appearances as a junior, ranking No. 92 in the latter category nationally.

Averaging 10.3 points per contest, his offensive game will need refinement before he becomes the all-around center Golden yearns to possess, as the team will operate through its big on both ends of the floor. But, he's flashed the potential in that area to suggest a quick acclimation under the leadership of assistants Kevin Hovde and Carlin Hartman when he arrives in Gainesville.

Bol joins Orlando Christian Prep shooting guard Isaiah Brown as an occupant in Florida's commitment class.

The Gators will look to add to the impressive duo over the next several months, with big man Flory Bidunga sitting as the top remaining target for Florida. Golden's also expected to be in the market for a point guard, although the loss of Dedan Thomas Jr. to UNLV — now reclassified to the 2023 class — has thrown the plan to acquire a versatile floor general into question.

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