Mike Rosario to play for Florida Gators

 Rutgers leading scorer Mike Rosario is transferring to Florida.

Rosario said in a telephone interview Monday that he visited the university in Gainesville, Fla., over the weekend and told Gators coach Billy Donovan he would join the program.

"It's a total different atmosphere," Rosario told The Associated Press. "It's a great school to go to college to. They just take care of things the right way and that's the environment I want for myself and my future. I chose to make that decision."

Rosario gives the Gators a proven scorer. The former Saint Anthony High School star led the Scarlet Knights in scoring each of his first two seasons, averaging 16.2 points as a freshman and 16.7 this past season. His 517 points as a freshman was a school record.

Rosario said having the next year off will allow him to improve his game. He can practice with Florida but cannot play in games until the 2011-12 season.

Rosario said he planned to transfer before Rutgers told Fred Hill recently that he would not be returning to coach the team next season.