UF’s Chris Walker suspended for first 3 games

Published on Wednesday, 10/15/14, at 3:33 p.m. Eastern. 

Florida sophomore center Chris Walker will be suspended for the team’s first three games, Billy Donovan announced on Wednesday. Also, incoming four-star freshman guard Brandone Francis will miss the entire season to handle academic responsibilities.

Francis will take a redshirt and won’t practice with the team in the fall. He could practice with the team if he meets his obligations during the first semester.

Chris Walker’s added muscle makes him a potential All-American candidate.

Walker is expected to start at center for the Gators, who lost four senior stalwarts but return plenty of talent anyway. Walker didn’t get much playing time last season because he wasn’t able to join the team until February. But he demonstrated a number of flashes that showed people what a force he has the potential to be.

Most notably, the Holmes Co. High School product had a great attitude and never complained about a lack of playing time. Walker has spent the offseason bulking up in a big way and many project him as a lottery pick in next summer’s NBA Draft.

Walker will miss an exhibition game and the first two regular-season contests against William & Mary and Miami. He can join the Gators for their Nov. 21 home game against ULM at the O-Dome.