ATLANTA – Corey Brewer carried Florida in the first half of its 76-66 win over UCLA in Saturday night’s national semifinals, which was only fitting because the Gators wouldn’t have been in the Final Four without Brewer.
With the most at stake, Brewer was the first of three future NBA draft picks in the Gators’ lineup to choose to return to college rather than go pro.
Brewer’s father, Ellis “Pee Wee” Brewer, has been stricken with health problems, including diabetes, which led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee in October. Brewer felt a heavy burden to support his family, but days after the Gators won the 2006 national title, Brewer and his parents discussed the situation in an emotional phone call.
“My father told me to be happy and I am,” said Brewer. “I could be sitting at the end of an [NBA] bench. Instead I’m playing in the Final Four. I owe it all to my parents.”
And the Gators owe this chance to become the first team to repeat since Duke in 1992 to Brewer, because when Joakim Noah and Al Horford, whose families don’t face financial concerns, learned Brewer was staying, they joined in.
“If Corey left we would have followed him out the door,” said Horford.
Brewer, who called his father before and after the game, scored 15 of Florida’s 29 first-half points. He finished with 19 points on 4 of 5 shooting on 3-point attempts, two rebounds, two blocked shots and an assist. Now he wants to give his dad another title.
“I want to go home and give him a piece of net,” said Brewer.
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Ohio State swingman Ron Lewis wasn’t about to show the Gators much respect yesterday. When asked if he thought the Buckeyes were a great team, Lewis said, “I think so because we got to this point.” And Florida? “They’re a good team to me. That’s all I can say about it.”
Noah’s response? “Oh my God! He said that? No. What a bad person.”
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When asked when he thought college basketball would again see three probable first-round picks to return to school, Ohio State coach Thad Matta didn’t hesitate in saying, “Hopefully next year.” Center Greg Oden and guards Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook could face tough decisions.
