Finney-Smith picks Florida
Courtesy of our sister paper in Norfolk, here is the story on the decision of where Dorian Finney-Smith is transferring to:
By Larry Rubama
The Virginian-Pilot
Former Norcom basketball star Dorian Finney-Smith is transferring to Florida.
Finney-Smith, a 6-foot-9 forward, left Virginia Tech last month after being unhappy.
He narrowed his new list of schools to seven and had visited Iowa State, Louisville and Memphis.
“They were all good visits,” he said. “But I just think Florida was best for me.”
He had planned on making his announcement early next week. But news leaked out about his decision Thursday afternoon which forced him to confirm it last night.
“But I’m glad it’s over with though because I was getting tired,” Finney-Smith said. “I feel relieved.”
His choice of Florida isn’t a total surprise because the Gators were a finalist along with Virginia Tech and Old Dominion the first time around.
Finney-Smith was one of the nation’s top prospects in the class of 2011. He led Norcom to back-to-back Group AAA, Eastern Region and Eastern District titles. He also was a two-time Group AAA, All-Tidewater, Eastern Region and Eastern District Player of the Year.
When he chose the Hokies he was Tech’s highest-ranked recruit in almost 30 years. Last season at Virginia Tech, Finney-Smith averaged 6.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in his only season in Blacksburg. He also had 24 steals and 23 blocks. But he grew unhappy with how he was being used at Virginia Tech.
This time around he made sure he took his time before choosing Florida.
“I really did my homework this time around and I like their style of play and how they’re going to use me,” he said. “I feel more comfortable now because I like how they’re going to use my versatility on the court.”
Finney-Smith plans to attend summer school next month at Florida. He will have to sit out next season because of transfer rules but will be ready the following season.
“I know it’s going to be hard practicing but not being able to play,” he said. “But I just have to keep working.”
June 15, 2012 - 11:32 AM
Screw him, overrated as HELL.
I know it’s not the new coach’s fault and it will take time to build things, but it’s disheartening to see on the VT Basketball page that two of the most recent stories are regarding prized recruits that are now going to play elsewhere. I hope coach Johnson can build some relationships fast and get some good players coming and STAYING in Blacksburg for a change. Sure did have a lot of transfers under Greenberg is seemed.
Your right, Drew. VT Basketball’s most overrated recruit ever is now gone. It will be interesting to see if he is ever heard from again.
Eh, can’t fault the guy for wanting to go to Florida. It’s definitely a step up in basketball programs, not to mention campus “scenery.” My guess is that the only reason we won out over UF the first time was that we were much closer to home. He was too big of a recruit to go to ODU, but didn’t want to move four states away. Hope he enjoys it and does well.
Finney-Smith plans to attend summer school next month at Florida. He will have to sit out next season because of transfer rules but will be ready the following season.