Florida Gator guard Rod Tishman has left Gainesville to return to his home in Israel and will not be returning next year, head coach Billy Donovan stated.

Tishman who was suppose to be a key transfer for the Gators, only played in seven games for 16 total minutes this past season.

“Nimrod is not going to come back,” Donovan said, “And I felt like that was going to happen. I loved him as a kid, he had a great experience. But I think for him, coming all the way the distance that he came, and not really getting the opportunity to play as much as he would like to, and I think part of him even wanted to come back again. But I don’t think he wanted to come back if it was going to be kind of the same situation.’. I think the adjustment period was something I think was an adjustment for him.”

Before playing with the Gators, Tishman competed on the 18 and under team in the European Under-18 Championships, where he led his country in scoring with 18.3 points, 4 boards and just over 2 assists for the tournament. Donovan talked about how difficult college ball was than anticipated.

“He’s got some opportunities in Israel right now that he’s going to probably pursue professionally,” Donovan said. “I loved coaching him, I still have a great relationship with him and his family, but he’s going to probably stay back over there. And I certainly appreciate him coming here and giving it a shot.”

Now that Tishman is gone, there is a free scholarship spot opened and ready to fill for Florida. With all of the signings the Gators had this month, if Tishman would have returned, they would have been over the limit for the scholarship option. To be honest, I really didn’t see Tishman progressing really. It will be a much better fit for him to return to Israel and have a chance to compete against his own level.

(Information & quotes gathered by Antonya English fro Gator Report.)