Calathes confirms going to Greece

The short-lived Nick Calathes era is over at Florida. Calathes confirmed in a text message to The Sun on Saturday that he will forego his junior season at Florida to play professionally in Greece.

A source close to Calathes' family said the 6-foot-5 guard from Casselberry had agreed to a three-year contract with reigning Euroleague Basketball champion Panathinaikos. The source said the deal, with incentives, could pay Calathes up to $2 million per season.

Calathes has an option to leave after the first year of the deal if he chooses to pursue a career in the NBA. But he is committed to playing basketball next season overseas. Calathes could still get picked in this June's NBA Draft with the understanding the organization will hold his rights while he is playing overseas.

Calathes led Florida in scoring in each of his first two seasons and set school records for assists. He earned Co-Southeastern Freshman of the year honors and made the All-SEC first team as a sophomore. The departure of Calathes leaves Erving Walker as the lone remaining scholarship point guard on the Florida roster. Incoming freshman Kenny Boynton could also help at point guard next season, though he's more suited to play shooting guard.

source : gainsville.com