EJ Floréal to leave UK basketball for track & field

Guard EJ Floreal smiles after he is put in the game late in the second half during the Wildcat’s game against the Stony Brook Seawolves during the first round of the NCCA tournament at Well’s Fargo Arena on March 16, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo by Taylor Pence

Kevin Erpenbeck
August 9, 2016

Senior guard EJ Floréal announced Tuesday that he is leaving the Kentucky basketball program for a chance to compete for the school’s track and field team, which is coached by his father Edrick Sr.

Floréal was a walk-on as a freshman during the 2013-14 season and would later earn a scholarship as part of the team. He played in 29 games and tallied three points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block in three seasons. Floréal was also a two-time SEC Honor Roll member.

“First of all I just want to thank Coach Calipari, my coaches and my teammates for the opportunity I’ve had the last three years,” Floréal said in a press release. “One of my goals was to play alongside the best players in the country and to grow and develop, and I think I’ve done that. Sometimes other opportunities come along. I want to use my athleticism to truly excel, and after seeing what my dad has done with his track and field athletes, I felt like this was my best chance to be the best version of myself. I want to make something clear: This was completely my decision and my decision alone. I know this transition won’t be easy, but I was bred for this. As much as I love basketball, track is in my blood. I’m excited for the next step.”

Floréal was well known for his pregame dance routines before almost every home game. He was known for his humorous role in former Wildcat Jamal Murray’s numerous bow-and-arrow celebrations last season.

(video via Xanadoo)

Head coach John Calipari praised Floréal’s growth as a basketball player during the Palo Alto, Calif., native’s three seasons with the team and commemorated him for being a hard-working teammate.

“I’m really happy for EJ and this opportunity to run for his father, who is one of the best in the world at what he does,” Calipari said in the press statement and in a series of tweets. “EJ has elite athleticism and I’m happy for him that he’ll truly get a chance to shine. I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to our basketball program. He was a great teammate, he improved immensely over the last three years and he was a big part of our success.”

Several of Floreal’s former teammates also showed their appreciation for their fellow Wildcat and wished him well in the future.

Floréal participated in track and field in high school. After moving to Lexington during his senior year, Floréal finished fourth in the 100 meters and third in the 200m at the State Championships. He also won the Lexington City and Region Championships in the 100m and 200m in 2013. 

Floréal will have two years of eligibility remaining in track and field, according to the press release.