Florida G Riley Kugel enters transfer portal

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th March, 19:51 2024

Florida Gators guard Riley Kugel (2) drives the lane against the Colorado Buffaloes on Friday, March 22, 2024, during the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Florida Gators and Colorado Buffaloes are tied 45-45 at halftime. credits: Joe Timmerman/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida guard Riley Kugel announced Wednesday that he is entering the transfer portal.

Kugel averaged 9.2 points and 3.5 rebounds and shot 39.4 percent from the field in 33 games (11 starts) this season as a sophomore but lost his starting job in December.

The previous season, Kugel averaged 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds and shot 45.6 percent in 32 games (17 starts). He averaged 17.3 points over the final 10 games of the season and earned Southeastern Conference All-Freshman honors.

"I'm thankful to all of Gator Nation for nothing but love and support over these past two years," Kugel said in his portal announcement on social media. "It's been fun and I appreciate everyone who has supported me through thick and thin.

"I will always be thankful for the bond I have built with my teammates in my freshman and sophomore years."

Kugel gave "special thanks" to assistant coach Korey McCray. His relationship with head coach Todd Golden wasn't so smooth and the two had a meeting in January to clear the air.

But in mid-March, Kugel was on the bench for the both the semifinal and finals of the SEC tournament. The Gators beat Texas A&M in the semis but lost to Auburn in the final.

Kugel did play in Florida's 102-100 loss to Colorado in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He had 11 points, four rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes.

—Field Level Media