Florida basketball: Colin Castleton growing into a superstar before our very eyes

Colin Castleton is balling out for Florida basketball, and that’s good news in Gainesville.

Florida basketball has received quality minutes from Michigan transfer Forward Colin Castleton and he had an outstanding game against the Ole Miss Rebels in their 72-63 win on Tuesday.

He scored 21 points on 50 percent shooting from the field, secured 10 rebounds, and blocked seven shots. That was his third 20-point game and first double-double performance of the season. He was named Co-SEC Player of the Week for his performances against Vanderbilt and LSU earlier this season.

He played two seasons with the Wolverines and didn’t receive a lot of playing time because Isaiah Livers and Brandon Johns Jr. were ahead of him but Castleton has found a home with the Gators.

Colin Castleton is thriving with the Florida Gators

We are seeing a player relishing his opportunity to contribute right now, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. After Keyontae Johnson’s COVID-19 related health scare, the Gators needed someone to step up at the forward spot. Castleton is that guy. It is excellent news that Johnson has recovered and is back with the team on the sideline.

What strikes me about his game is how aggressive he is rebounding the basketball. You see this more on the offensive glass, leading to second-chance points or opportunities to reset the Gators’ offense.

He also showcases his court vision with nice passes in the post and on the perimeter that lead to points. If a big man can pass the ball, that adds an extra dimension to his game and another thing opposing defenses have to defend against.

He excels at the pick-and-roll, and more often than not, that sequence ends with a bucket for the 6-foot-11, 231-pounder. When he gets the pass on the roll, it usually ends in a two-handed slam.

Expect Castleton to be a significant factor in Florida’s effort to rise up the SEC ladder this season.