FORT MYERS — Well, it’s done.
As we figured, 6-10 (he’s grown), 250-pound junior old-school center Ricky Doyle, who started much of two seasons at Michigan, is heading to Florida Gulf Coast University.
A Cape Coral native, Doyle made his decision known during a press conference (really, just smallish a gathering of local reporters) at his alma mater, Bishop Verot, late Tuesday morning.
This is a really big deal.
Doyle not only will be eligible to play for the Eagles in 2017-18 and 2018-19 after sitting next season per NCAA transfer rules, but he’ll be able to practice against centers Demetris Morant and Antravious Simmons and forwards Marc-Eddy Norelia and Kevin Mickle when preseason practices get under way. He’ll help make them better and more than likely will improve lots himself.
And there is no doubt whatsoever that Doyle’s name will be uttered lots by FGCU coaches on the recruiting trails that are now wider.
FGCU is the perfect fit for Doyle, who harbors professional aspirations. Fourth-year coach Joe Dooley and company have sent Chase Fieler and Bernard Thompson on to nice pro starts. Norelia is well on his way to the same stuff and Morant and Simmons should have serious pro shots.
Unlike the Wolverines, Dooley loves — absolutely loves — the high-low, something the back-to-the-basket Doyle craves. Dooley is a huge rebound-prodder and loves the offense to work through his bigs.
Even if Dooley goes elsewhere after what is expected to be a slam-dunk run next season, there’s zip doubt Doyle will play a major role. And it’s hard to believe the new coach would try to rework his old-style game.
It’s almost impossible to imagine Doyle and Simmons (a 6-9, 250-plus rising junior from VCU who came on huge last season) on the floor at the same time, particularly against Atlantic Sun teams.
They will torch things.
Stay tuned.
Dana Caldwell is the NDN beat writer for Florida Gulf Coast University athletics and can be followed on Twitter at
@NDN_DCaldwell