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Kentucky Basketball: EJ Floreal Leaving For Track Career

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Marcus Lee (00) and guard EJ Floreal (24) pose with the trophy after the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Kentucky won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Marcus Lee (00) and guard EJ Floreal (24) pose with the trophy after the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Kentucky won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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EJ Floreal is leaving the Kentucky basketball to follow in his parents’ footsteps as a track and field athlete. He’ll remain with the school.

Over the past three seasons, one of Kentucky basketball’s most recognizable faces has been EJ Floreal. Though he’s been limited in his playing time, his energy and sportsmanship have endeared him to fans in Lexington.

In a shock to many, Floreal has decided to leave the men’s basketball program to pursue a lifelong dream.

Floreal made the Wildcats’ roster as a walk-on freshman in 2013-14. He made the SEC Academic Honor Roll in both 2014-15 and 2015-16.

According to Jon Hale of The Courier-Journal, Floreal thanked head coach John Calipari for the incredible opportunity to play for the men’s basketball program.

"“First of all I just want to thank Coach Calipari, my coaches and my teammates for the opportunity I’ve had the last three years,” EJ said in a news release. “One of my goals was to play alongside the best players in the country and to grow and develop, and I think I’ve done that.:”"

Floreal continued:

"“Sometimes other opportunities come along. I want to use my athleticism to truly excel, and after seeing what my dad has done with his track and field athletes, I felt like this was my best chance to be the best version of myself. I want to make something clear: This was completely my decision and my decision alone.“I know this transition won’t be easy, but I was bred for this. As much as I love basketball, track is in my blood. I’m excited for the next step.”"

Though it’s sad to see him leaving the Kentucky basketball program, it’s great to see that Floreal will remain a member of Wildats athletics.

Floreal’s father, Eldrick Floreal, has been head coach of the men and women’s cross country and track teams since 2012. During that time, the Wildcats have won five individual NCAA titles.

Just as impressively, Kentucky cross country and track athletes have earned All-American honors 81 times, per Hale.

Before he was named head coach of the cross country and track teams, Floreal was a decorated athlete himself. He competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea in the triple jump.

He also competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain in the long jump.

Furthermore, EJ Floreal’s mother, LaVonna Martin-Floreal, won the silver medal at the 1992 Sumer Olympics. She competed in the 100 meter hurdles—an event in which she won a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games.

EJ will now look to follow in his incredible parents’ footsteps as a track and field standout.

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Best of luck in your latest endeavor, EJ Floreal. Wildcats fans will be watching in support.

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