DUELING MR. 305s

Haslem, Pitbull go at it over Gator bait

WASHINGTON – They are on a first-name basis and lately have been dealing with split allegiances, even as both go by Mr. 305.

“I’ve known Pit for many, many years before any one of us had money,” Udonis Haslem said after the Miami Heat completed their morning shootaround in advance of Friday night’s exhibition against the Washington Wizards.

So, no, Haslem said it was not a shock to see Pitbull holding Florida Gators jerseys during a speaking appearance in Gainesville, even with both passionate about University of Miami Hurricanes football.

And even then, the singer, in a Twitter offering, was careful to pay homage to the other Mr. 305.

“I got a whole lot of respect for U.D., who was as Gator,” Pitbull posted. “So U.D., look at me, I’m playing for the Gators.”

For Haslem, who starred in the Gators’ basketball program, there long has been a split among sporting allegiances, booster of Gators basketball and his firstlove Hurricanes football program.

Haslem said he appreciates you can be 305 and also be the somewhat less sexy 352.

“There was a Miami Grill that he owns in Gainesville, so we’ve had some talks about me being involved with some of those projects,” Haslem said of the artist born in Miami as Armando Christian Pérez. “It’s always good to see somebody come up the same way you come up and to be successful.”

The Gators basketball jersey gifted to Pitbull with “305” numbering was not the issue. There also was a “305” football jersey in Gators blue and orange.

“I’m always going to be a Gator,” Haslem said. “I’m always going to have love for the Gators. I’ve been fortunate enough that UM football and Gator football don’t really match up often. But I’m always going to be a Gator. I’m always going to be grateful for the four years I had there.

“There’s no way I’m standing here today and had the success and career I’ve had if I didn’t spend four years at Florida.”

Therefore, Haslem said there was no reason not to allow the other Mr. 305 to enjoy his moment, which he did, with Pitbull offering, “You guys are trying to get me in trouble out here in Gainesville, ain’t you? I see what you’re trying to do . . . 305 until I die . . . in Gainesville.”

For now? All good. But there is that pesky GatorsHurricanes football matchup coming up next year in Orlando.

“I don’t want to think that far ahead right now,” Haslem said.

Haslem’s wife, Faith, is a former Gators track star.

“My wife,” Haslem said with a smile, “is going to root for who her husband roots for.

“It’s always going to be Hurricanes football.”

Pitbull said he, too, wants to be part of that family.

“UM,” he said on his Twitter video, “you got to give me one of those jerseys, Mr. 305.” those