GAINESVILLE - Florida coach Billy Donovan reiterated Friday that he expects Christian Drejer to finish the season despite reports the sophomore forward is considering leaving to play professional basketball in Spain.
"Christian has had no contact by any team in Italy or in Spain," Donovan said. "I know about the reports from the Spanish newspaper that they are very close to signing him, but there's no truth to that at all. ... It's an unfortunate situation from the standpoint that it draws into question Christian's integrity and character as a person and a player."
In Wednesday's edition, El Mundo Deportivo reported that Drejer had been offered a temporary contract by the F.C. Barcelona team.
"Christian has not spoken to that team and he doesn't know why that happened," said Donovan, who added he has requested Drejer not speak to reporters so he can stay focused on today's game against LSU. "The one thing he mentioned to me is that sometimes they try to generate and stir up some enthusiasm and excitement for an overseas team by making them think they are going to sign somebody. But there's no truth to it."
Drejer, a native of Denmark, came to Gainesville after being named the 2002 Danish national player of the year, turning down a $1-million professional contract. A foot injury and subsequent long-term infection hampered Drejer most of his freshman season. This season, he is averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Top 25
NO.21 N.C. STATE: Guard Scooter Sherrill's comment Thursday that Duke guard J.J. Redick acts "like he's gay" was "uncharacteristic and unfortunate," athletic director Lee Fowler said. In a statement, Fowler said Sherrill had apologized.
NO.25 SOUTH CAROLINA: Senior point guard Michael Boynton had an abscess surgically removed from his right calf from what appeared to be a spider bite.
AUBURN: School officials presented their case to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, seeking to avoid a postseason ban and heavy scholarship sanctions. The NCAA has accused the school of offering $50,000 and a car to the mother of Huntsville, Ala., recruit Chadd Moore and of arranging for improper inducements to Jackie Butler of McComb, Miss.
Nation
ST. JOHN'S: Freshman Tyler Jones, one of six players penalized for breaking curfew to visit a Pittsburgh strip club Feb.4, has been reinstated after a two-game suspension.
Women
NO.13 DePAUL 73, SAINT LOUIS 65: Khara Smith had 32 points on 14-of-16 shooting to lead the host Blue Demons (21-2, 9-1 C-USA). Angie Lewis led the Billikens (8-16, 2-9) with 28 points and nine rebounds.
NO.22 TCU 125, ECU 119 (4OT): Sandora Irvin had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the visiting Horned Frogs (19-4, 8-2 C-USA). Courtney Willis scored 40 for the Pirates (14-9, 5-5).
DRAKE 73, NO.23 SMS 67: Linda Sayavongchanh scored 15 and the host Bulldogs (9-12, 6-6 MVC) rallied to end the nation's longest winning streak at 18. Kari Koch scored 19 for the Bears (20-2, 11-1).
NO.25 HOUSTON 62, CHARLOTTE 58: Chandi Jones had 20 points and 11 rebounds as the visiting Cougars (20-3, 9-1 C-USA) won their fifth straight. Pam Brown led the 49ers (14-9, 7-3) with 12 points.
NO.10 MINNESOTA: Guard Lindsay Whalen, the school's all-time leading scorer, is expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking two bones in her right hand.
- Information from Times wires was used in this report.
