Gator fans hoping for a Nick Calathes return to the O’Dome need to strap in, as this roller coaster is just getting started.

Calathes was in Reseda, Calif., Monday for a workout in front of a handful of NBA scouts that also included UCLA freshman guard Jrue Holiday, Louisville forward Earl Clark and Washington big man Jon Brockman.

One scout told me that Calathes was “far and away” the most impressive player on the court, showing the court vision and ability to run a team that scouts never seemed to get his grasp of during two years at UF. That’s high praise, considering many analysts are calling Holiday a mid-first round pick.

According to ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford, one league executive said that if Calathes can prove he can defend and hit consistent jumpers, he’ll be a really intriguing player.

Calathes will be back in the Sunshine State today for a workout with Clark and Pittsburgh power forward DeJuan Blair.

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Where have all the Gators gone in the NBA playoffs? With Atlanta’s ouster at the hands of Cleveland earlier this week, sending Al Horford and his sore ankle back to UF for summer school, Houston’s James White becomes the lone former Gator player in championship contention.

I don’t expect that to be the case next year. Horford’s Hawks are still an up-and-coming team, if they can re-sign free-agent-to-be Mike Bibby to run the point. Miami is a piece or two away from returning Udonis Haslem to the big time. Marreese Speights will get his mentor back when Elton Brand returns from a knee injury to lead Philadelphia’s frontcourt. Chicago will be a top-four team in the east next year with Joakim Noah having promised to enter training camp in better shape. And you can never count out the Spurs and Matt Bonner.

This isn’t even including the return of Corey Brewer as well as what could be an interesting un-retirement party for Jason Williams. October can’t get here fast enough.