GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida guard Tre Mann will be returning for his sophomore season.
Mann withdrew his name from the NBA draft Tuesday and plans to stay in school at least another year, a significant but somewhat expected development for fifth-year coach Mike White.
Mann surprised the Gators by announcing in late April that he planned to explore his professional options. He averaged 5.3 points off the bench as a freshman. But once starting point guard Andrew Nembhard opted to transfer -- he eventually landed at Gonzaga last month -- that opened the door for Mann's return to Gainesville.
Mann should get a shot at playing the point, although Florida also has sophomore Ques Glover and former Cleveland State standout Tyree Appleby at the all-important position. Appleby averaged 17.2 points and 5.9 assists in 2018-19 and seemingly should be a better fit than Nembhard in White's tweaked offense that looks to be faster paced.
Two Florida starters -- guard Scottie Lewis and forward Keyontae Johnson -- decided to stay in college after the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the postseason.
The Gators finished 19-12 last season and were in position to make the NCAA tournament for a fourth consecutive year.