According to sources who spoke with Swamp247 on Thursday night, former Florida guard Zyon Pullin has agreed to a two-way contract with the Miami Heat.
Pullin, a 6-foot-4, 206-pound point guard from Pleasant Hills, California, spent four years at UC-Riverside before signing with the Gators before the 2023–24 campaign.
The graduate transfer broke Florida’s single-season record for assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.77, which was also the highest mark by an SEC player since 2000, and scored in double figures in each of his first 23 games at Florida, the third-longest streak in program history.
Pullin led all Florida players in scoring (15.7 points per game), assists (5.0), and rebounds (3.8) at the conclusion of his final collegiate regular season. In addition, he had the second-fewest total turnovers out of all Gator players who played at least 15 minutes a night. The only player with more turnovers overall was Micah Handlogten, the center, who played almost half as much as Pullin.
Pullin finished the 2023–24 regular season in the top 10 percent of players nationally in assist rate, turnover rate, and free-throw shooting. He also ranked 36th among eligible Division I players in offensive rating and 44th in 3-point shooting percentage. With a regular season assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.5 or better while averaging at least 15 points and 4.5 assists per game, Pullin was the only player in the country to accomplish this feat.
Hugely complimentary of Pullin, Florida head coach Todd Golden said that he was instrumental in the Gators’ 24-win campaign, which saw them compete for an SEC Tournament championship and make their way back to March Madness after a two-year absence.
Pullin is a person who “can live in the mid-range,” Golden said. He’s one of those old-school guards that doesn’t need to finish all the way to the rim, you know. He does an excellent job of getting distance from the ball and hitting that little fade in the middle, which is a great shot for both of us. Additionally, he’s been an excellent leader and has played a significant role in our success this year.
“I don’t think anyone else exists quite like Zyon. He undoubtedly played a significant role in our success as a playmaker and backcourt leader.”
Pullin had a career year in 2022–23 for the Highlanders, averaging 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while making 39 percent of his 3-point tries before joining the Gators.
That offseason, Pullin also took a look at the NBA Draft, but he eventually decided to return to the college ranks.
Pullin’s success as a graduate transfer, according to Golden, might draw in more transfers in the future.
“I think we have some really good proof of concept with Tyrese (Samuel) and ZP, that guys that want to come in, maybe for one year and be a part of something and have success – check, check on both those guys,” Golden stated.
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