Florida Basketball's class of 2025 now ranked in the top ten after CJ Ingram commit
![Hawthorne High School’s CJ Ingram is this year’s Gainesville Sun Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Ingram, 16 and a junior, plays point guard for the Hornets. He re-created this photo similar when his father was chosen as basketball player of the year by the Gainesville Sun years an ago. Ingram scored close to 500 points this year for the Hornets. He posed for portraits at the school Thursday afternoon, April 11, 2024. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2024](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6974,h_3922,x_0,y_199/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F213%2F01j56m2mdr5jnrt7gydw.jpg "Hawthorne High School’s CJ Ingram is this year’s Gainesville Sun Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Ingram, 16 and a junior, plays point guard for the Hornets. He re-created this photo similar when his father was chosen as basketball player of the year by the Gainesville Sun years an ago. Ingram scored close to 500 points this year for the Hornets. He posed for portraits at the school Thursday afternoon, April 11, 2024. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2024")
CJ Ingram, son of former Gators football star Cornelius Ingram, has committed to play basketball at the University of Florida. CJ, a 6-foot-6, 195-pound wing from Orlando Oak Ridge, is a rapidly rising star in the 2025 recruiting class. 247Sports ranked him No. 73 overall and No. 11 at his position.
Ingram's commitment to Florida is a nod to his family’s legacy, but it’s also a step toward carving out his own path in Gators history. His father, Cornelius, was a standout tight end for Florida, winning two national championships, and briefly played basketball before focusing solely on football. Now, CJ is ready to make his mark on the hardwood.
Initially a two-sport athlete excelling in basketball and football, Ingram recently dedicated himself entirely to basketball. This decision was spurred by strong interest from several top programs, Florida’s persistent recruitment, and the allure of following in his father’s footsteps.
During his junior season at Hawthorne High, CJ eclipsed 1,000 career points and averaged an impressive 24 points, 8.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game. His athleticism, versatility, and physicality have made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
Florida’s head coach Todd Golden, and assistant coach Taurean Green, a former Gator basketball legend, played pivotal roles in securing Ingram's commitment. "The atmosphere is just different with the fans," Ingram shared. "My visit just felt almost perfect, and I’m doing it at home in front of friends and family."
Ingram's decision to focus solely on basketball is expected to unlock even more of his potential. The Gators are getting a dynamic player who can guard multiple positions, score, facilitate, and bring a physical edge to the court.
Combined with Alex Lloyd, a 6'3" guard out of Fort Lauderdale, the Gators are currently ranked in the top ten for their class of 2025 according to 247 Sports.
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