Last Wednesday, 7"0 center Jones Lay, of the class of 2026, verbally committed to Todd Golden and the Gators. Fresh off an official visit in Gainesville, the rising senior chose Florida over South Carolina, Bryant, George Mason, Old Dominion, Eastern Kentucky, and others. He ranks as a three-star recruit according to Rivals.
A look at Lay
Lay, with quite favorable measurables, will bring an array of tools to Gainesville. As previously mentioned, the prospect stands at a whopping seven feet and zero inches, which will place him among the tallest in college basketball.
Despite big men usually playing a more cautious game, Lay doesn't abide by those norms. In an interview with Hail Florida Hail's Robert Devlin, Lay described his style of play as aggressive, something Todd Golden probably loves to hear.
"The best aspect of my game I would say is doing the dirty work, the rebounding, the hitting people in the mouth, and just the little things," Lay said.
He believes his game perfectly matches the hard-working, 'we don't care about how many stars you have' attitude Todd Golden has established at Florida.
"I really just fell in love with Florida and their system just fits me so well."
Golden hopes Lay's future might align with the paths of guards Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin, all three of whom were drafted earlier this year despite not receiving much consistent attention at their previous schools.
Not going anywhere
As for his future at Florida, Lay assures Florida fans that he has no interest in other schools and is firmly set on his future in Gainesville.
He told Hail Florida Hail that his recruitment is "completely shut down," and can't wait to get back to Exactech Arena.
His message for Gator Nation is clear as day: "Time to work!"