Chris Walker commits to Florida

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Chris Walker, ESPN's No. 7 senior in the Class of 2013, committed to Florida early Sunday morning, elevating the Gators' recruiting class to the No. 1 ranking in the nation.

Florida makes statement with Walker

Chris Walker's commitment to Florida is big news for Billy Donovan and the Gators, ESPN.com's Mike LaPlante writes. Blog

Walker's commitment to Florida is unique. By picking the Gators over Louisville and Kansas -- this had been trending Florida's way all month -- Walker pledged to resume a playing relationship with Kasey Hill (Eustis, Fla./Montverde), his travel teammate on Florida Elite.

The Gators, who slide past North Carolina in the class rankings, do so on the strength of a two top-10 players in the class of 2013. The big man-point guard tandem of Walker and Hill should translate into one of the more significant duos in college basketball once the pair matriculates.

Walker is a physical specimen and one of the most athletically gifted players in the class. He's a unique mix of explosion, athleticism and size. There isn't another big in the class with fast-twitch muscles, ability to change ends and be a factor in the paint defensively.

Ranked No. 6 in ESPN's senior rankings, Hill was the first to commit to Florida coach Billy Donovan. Hill is the point guard for the travel team, and he and the 6-foot-10 Walker clearly established a strong bond and affection for their in-state Gator team.

Walker (Bonifay, Fla./Holmes County) said his mind was made up and that he became sold on playing alongside Hill earlier this month.

"In Indianapolis when I saw the way me and (Hill) played, I saw the bigger picture with us possibly competing for a national title," Walker said.

Walker and Hill teamed to win the prestigious adidas Invitational and have been victors on numerous occasions in travel team events. The pair played under the moniker "Florida Rams" until the NCAA banned the Rams from playing in sanctioned events on July 5.

Walker, Hill and many of their Rams teammates quickly found a landing spot with Florida Elite and together won the first event they played in as a new team.

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Dave Telep

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