Bradley Beal came to Florida as one of the highest rated recruits ever signed by Billy Donovan. A Gatorade National Player of the Year, Beal arrived in Gainesville with all the accolades, the Ray Allen comparisons, the hype. After a slow start, he finally put his elite skills on display in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. And now he's going to be playing in the NBA after being selected third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.
Beal is the 11th Gator chosen in the first round of the draft, and the highest selection since Al Horford went third in 2007, the draft that saw three Gators chosen in the top 10.
Washington recently acquired Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza via trade with the New Orleans Hornets, giving the Wizards a solid core along with John Wall and Nene. Beal will give the Wizards a premiere shooter, something they have sorely lacked.