Projecting Florida’s starting five

[Ahab]

The Gators return three starters from a team that finished the 2011-12 season 26-11 — center Patric Young, power forward Erik Murphy and shooting guard Kenny Boynton. The trio have a combined 172 games of starting experience. That should come in handy during the rigors of a tough non-conference and Southeastern Conference schedule.

But Florida still has two spots to fill to replace swingman Bradley Beal and point guard Erving Walker. Here’s a look at the four leading candidates to fill those two spots:

http://brockway.blogs.gatorsports.com/11640/projecting-floridas-starting-five/?tc=ar

I think we'll go w/ a three guard lineup including Wilbekin and Rosario.

[tupacbiff]

More crap from brockway. This blog post could have been done by someone who barely watched the gators last year. Heck I have seen more insightful analysis on this very topic by woefully uniformed board members.

It's time for the g'ville sun to show him the door. He is an embarrassment to the sun's sports dept which is really something when u see who else writes for them.

[REM08]

http://brockway.blogs.gatorsports.com/11640/projecting-floridas-starting-five/?tc=ar

I think we'll go w/ a three guard lineup including Wilbekin and Rosario.

With the caveat being that a few other guys will end up with starter-like minutes, I agree.

It'll be interesting to see how Billy spreads out those precious minutes. I'm not a big believer in having a dozen significant contributors the same way I'm not a fan of a team having two quarterbacks. In all likelihood, IMO, a core rotational group will emerge at some point - and that after them, the minutes will fall off significantly. Agree, disagree? In addition to the starters, how many other guys do you think see double digit minutes?

[rserina]

I know Bullis has disagreed with me on this, but in my opinion Wilbekin may be the key to our upside this year. What he brings is a tremendous amount of versatility that in turn gives the coaches plenty of lineup flexibility. Wilbekin has the size, strength, and athleticism to guard three positions, and even defended the four at times last year. While he is limited offensively, he can function both on the ball or off it, he takes care of the ball, he can hit his open jumpers, and he has shown some real craftiness in the lane. He has to get much better handling the ball and creating for others to be a legitimate point guard in this system, but the greatest contribution he makes is enabling us to mix and match with any number of perimeter guys. For instance, you could not play two of Boynton, Rosario, or Ogbueze together unless you had a guy who can both defend the three and run the one (we'll have to see if the latter is ready for that spot as a freshman or not), like Wilbekin.

[tegator80]

More crap from brockway. This blog post could have been done by someone who barely watched the gators last year. Heck I have seen more insightful analysis on this very topic by woefully uniformed board members.

It's time for the g'ville sun to show him the door. He is an embarrassment to the sun's sports dept which is really something when u see who else writes for them.

Yeah, that was a silly attempt at journalism. But to the OP, I hope that in the early games, they try starting Wilbekin and Prather and bring Rosario and Yeguete off the bench.

[themistocles]

Well, c'mon guys, it wasn't that horrible. Simple? Yes. Lacking intuition? Yes.

But certainly not an unreasonable way of looking at this question.

Personally, I expect Wilbikin at 1 and either Prather or Rosario to start at 3, but all four of these guys will get lots of minutes this year.

[GatorPlanet]

Right now, I see PG Wilbekin, SG Boynton, SF Rosario, PF Murphy, C Young.

But...these guys could crash the starting lineup: Prather, Ogbueze, Yeguete, and--wait for it--Larson. It could happen, but each of these guys needs major progress in certain areas.

[Osiris_DPM]

More crap from brockway.



This blog post could have been done by someone who barely watched the gators last year.

i.e., Brockway

[jeffphillips21]

I like a starting 5 of Young, Murphy, Yeguete, Boynton, Wilbekin with Rosario the 6th man. Beal was able to rebound and defend so well and he's 6'5 that the 3-guard line-up made sense last year. I don't think we can do the same with Rosario. JMO

[Apeman]

I like a starting 5 of Young, Murphy, Yeguete, Boynton, Wilbekin with Rosario the 6th man. Beal was able to rebound and defend so well and he's 6'5 that the 3-guard line-up made sense last year. I don't think we can do the same with Rosario. JMO

Agreed

[rserina]

I like a starting 5 of Young, Murphy, Yeguete, Boynton, Wilbekin with Rosario the 6th man. Beal was able to rebound and defend so well and he's 6'5 that the 3-guard line-up made sense last year. I don't think we can do the same with Rosario. JMO
The problem is that Yeguete can't play the three in our system. He doesn't shoot, handle the ball, or pass very well and those are the three most important things at the wing in Donovan's offense.

[Ahab]

IMO if Wilbekin starts, then we need another shooter in the starting 5 to spread the floor.

[tupacbiff]

IMO if Wilbekin starts, then we need another shooter in the starting 5 to spread the floor.

Don't understand this. If Scotty starts we still have 3 shooters on the floor with him, kb and Murphy. How many shooters do we need 4?

[rserina]

IMO if Wilbekin starts, then we need another shooter in the starting 5 to spread the floor.
Like Tupac said, you already have Murphy and Boynton. If you mean we can't really run Wilbekin and Prather together for extended stretches, then I tend to agree. But because of Wilbekin's versatility, you don't have to: he can play with Rosario, Ogbueze, or even Frazier, all of whom should be able to space the floor just fine.

[gatordd]

3 guard... Wilby Boynton Rosario Murph and Pat

[Ahab]

Don't understand this. If Scotty starts we still have 3 shooters on the floor with him, kb and Murphy. How many shooters do we need 4?

I still don't consider Scotty a "good" shooter. He's improving and he can knock down open looks but I don't like pairing him with Prather.

[your_perfect_enemy]

I think we have to remember that age wise Wilbiken is entering what would be his sophomore year, so I don't think it's out of the realm of possibilities for him to make a siginificant jump at least from the standpoint of a strength and maturity (not that he was lacking in maturity).

I also think the light bulb went on for Prather late last year and really expect him to build off that. He may not be a primary scoring option, but I think he gained some much needed confidence to at least be somewhat of threat and facilitator so we wont feel like we're playing 4 vs 5 on offense.

[rserina]

I also think the light bulb went on for Prather late last year and really expect him to build off that. He may not be a primary scoring option, but I think he gained some much needed confidence to at least be somewhat of threat and facilitator so we wont feel like we're playing 4 vs 5 on offense.
He is a real wild card. The irony is that he took off last year at the four, not the three, where he had a ton of space to work with defenders playing off him. Can he translated that into improved play at the three? Can he be active moving without the ball and get his points off baseline cuts to the hoop or offensive rebounds? Can he be effective flashing to the high post against zones and getting that elbow look to drop? He can get to the rim from 15-18 feet, but can he make the post entry passes from there or the occasional jumper? Can he make clean, crisp passes and avoid turnovers? Those are the big questions. Defensively, Prather is solid. He runs the floor well. He is a good kid and unselfish player. But he won't get significant floor time if he is a liability offensively.

[GatorPlanet]

A lot will be revealed. We have very good depth. But when I think about some of the guys, I see them being better off the bench than in a starting role. Like Prather...tremendous explosiveness and athleticism, which should translate into some quality minutes and big plays for us...when he comes in off the bench. If he's a starter, it's a different world. Coaches will scheme to stop him, and he just doesn't have the all-around game to overcome that. At least not yet...sometimes guys just keep developing and surprise you.

[GatorPlanet]

As for Scottie, the point guard spot is his to lose. He improved his shooting last year through excellent shot selection, so I'm not worried about his points. What concerns me most is his ballhandling. If he doesn't show improvement there, Braxton could pass him in the lineup.

The good news at the point is that defensively it'll be much better with Scottie. Plus he might be able to grab a few of the Beal rebounds we'd otherwise be missing.

[themistocles]

College Basketball = UNKNOWNS.

After all, look at KY, they are looking at 80% unknowns to start every year.

Some guys develop amazingly, some solidly, some moderately, some very little and some not at all from year to year.

This year's team, being very experienced (7 upper classmen) has far, far, far fewer question marks than most teams at this point in time, and with several new possibilities in Ogbuze, Frazier, Graham and Walker.

This is the type of team a coach likes to have on the floor.

Nonetheless, as always, it will be interesting, and, as many wise BB people have said through the years: "It ain't whose starting that's important, it's whose on the floor when the chips are down."

[ThePlayer]

3 guard... Wilby Boynton Rosario Murph and Pat

Almost...but I vote:

Rosario (if he matured)
Boynton
Yeguete
Murphy
Young

Wilby leaves us a little vulnerable full-time..IMO

[GatorPlanet]

Almost...but I vote:

Rosario (if he matured)
Boynton
Yeguete
Murphy
Young

Wilby leaves us a little vulnerable full-time..IMO

But who is your point guard in that group? From what I've seen Rosario isn't much better at ballhandling than Wilbekin, and is certainly not a pass-first kind of guy. And Boynton has played it some but seems a lot more effective at the 2-spot.

[rserina]

But who is your point guard in that group? From what I've seen Rosario isn't much better at ballhandling than Wilbekin, and is certainly not a pass-first kind of guy. And Boynton has played it some but seems a lot more effective at the 2-spot.
And you three. I can't quite recall Donovan every playing with two shooting guards, two high post fours, and a five.

[GatorsGators]

Almost...but I vote:

Rosario (if he matured)
Boynton
Yeguete
Murphy
Young

Wilby leaves us a little vulnerable full-time..IMORosario at point would be a disaster, imo.

[InstiGATOR1]

The bottom line is that the 7 SRs and JRs are likely to play the vast majority of the minutes. Boynton, Prather, Rosario and Wilbekin will likely handle the 1-3 positions and Murphy, Prather, Young and Yeguete will likely handle the 3 through 5 positions.

[dalwood13]

Anyone who thinks Yeguete is going to play the three for us, has no understanding of our offensive system.

My best guess for the opening starting 5:

Wilbekin
Boynton
Rosario
Murphy
Young

I think Boynton and Rosario will also get some time at the point, especially later in the season.

[apkguitar1991]

I see Pat, Murph, Boynton, and Wilbekin being our staple guys in most situations.

For the fifth spot I think it will really depend on who we're playing, what matchups we have on the court, and the context of how the game is going. I like Yeguete the most and I really see Rosario as strictly a 2 to sub for Boynton when he goes to the bench or moves to point when Wilbekin takes a rest. I don't really know what to think about Prather right now, but I hope he continues to build on the end of last season and can provide solid minutes as well.

1 - Wilbekin, Boynton
2 - Boynton, Rosario
3 - Yeguete, Prather
4 - Murphy, Yeguete
5 - Young, Murphy

That doesn't take into account any of our new guys stepping up though. Not sure what to think about Larson either.

[InstiGATOR1]

I generally agree, but I see Rosario getting minutes at both the SF and SG spots. I see Yeguete as PF backing up Murphy and when. Murphy is playing some minutes backing up Young.

[StrangeGator]

This makes the most sense to me…

1 - Wilbekin, Boynton
2 - Boynton, Rosario
3 - Rosario, Prather
4 - Murphy, Yeguette
5 - Young, Larson

[Osiris_DPM]

This makes the most sense to me…

1 - Wilbekin, Boynton
2 - Boynton, Rosario
3 - Rosario, Prather
4 - Murphy, Yeguette
5 - Young, Larson

This is a good call

[tampajack1]

I see KB at the point and Scottie at the 2.

[rserina]

I see KB at the point and Scottie at the 2.
Why? I know Boynton has been quoted as playing some one, but I just don't see it for long stretches. His game has been catch and shoot with an ability to get that little jump stop off the bounce. He has never been a great pick and roll player or someone who creates off the bounce for others, despite being a smart ballhandler and passer. Then again, Wilbekin hasn't proven he can shoot off the high ball screen either and that may be the single most effective option in our offense when run effectively.

[ReggieNelson]

I see KB at the point and Scottie at the 2.

i hope you are blind then.

[ReggieNelson]

This makes the most sense to me…

1 - Wilbekin, Boynton
2 - Boynton, Rosario
3 - Rosario, Prather
4 - Murphy, Yeguette
5 - Young, Larson

it does to me as well. ideally i'd want prather to start due to his size & length. mike ro is a major liability on the court.

[UFnuts]

First of all, WY isn't a small forward. With that out of the way, I see an 8-man rotation:

Point - Wilbekin / BO (two players sharing minutes at one position)
Wings - KB / Prather / Rosario (three players sharing minutes at two positions)
Bigs - Murph / Young / WY (three players sharing minutes at two positions)

This assumes that BO is ready to play, otherwise I assume that KB is going to get more minutes at the 1.

[gatorrick1]

I can tell you with Billy who is in at the end of games is more important then who starts. I believe Rosario gets less minutes on this squad then most everyone is thinking. Billy doesn't trust his decision making on offense or his grit on defense. He is a ball stopper on O and that drives Billy crazy. Our lineup that gets the most minutes will have a lot to do with our opponent and game plan. Billy likes some of the versatility of this team and my guess is early on you will see many different combinations. The key to the season will be how the players mesh and how unselfish they are. At the end of the day right now the five players Billy trusts most are SW,KB,WY,EM and PY. Those will be the five players with the most minutes when the season is over. By the way not saying that's our starting five only those five will get more PT then any other players.

[tupacbiff]

I can tell you with Billy who is in at the end of games is more important then who starts. I believe Rosario gets less minutes on this squad then most everyone is thinking. Billy doesn't trust his decision making on offense or his grit on defense. He is a ball stopper on O and that drives Billy crazy. Our lineup that gets the most minutes will have a lot to do with our opponent and game plan. Billy likes some of the versatility of this team and my guess is early on you will see many different combinations. The key to the season will be how the players mesh and how unselfish they are. At the end of the day right now the five players Billy trusts most are SW,KB,WY,EM and PY. Those will be the five players with the most minutes when the season is over. By the way not saying that's our starting five only those five will get more PT then any other players.

Great point regarding its about who finishes. Most coaches give a lot more credence to who starts. They don't care about who is on the floor in crucial end of game situations only who starts. It's quite a theory because they hope to get a 2 pt lead and just ride it out but billy realized you can win the game at the end. He is light yrs ahead of the other coAches because of this.

[gatorrick1]

Great point regarding its about who finishes. Most coaches give a lot more credence to who starts. They don't care about who is on the floor in crucial end of game situations only who starts. It's quite a theory because they hope to get a 2 pt lead and just ride it out but billy realized you can win the game at the end. He is light yrs ahead of the other coAches because of this.

This is the most ignorant post I have seen in a while Tupac.

Your right, only idiots with names like Popovich, Carlisle, Brooks, Coach k etc. etc. don't always start their best player's. Due to things like foul distribution, balance on the floor, chemistry, pshycology etc.. Coaches many times do not start their best five guy's. With this Gator team we have three legit post players so due to foul distribution and minute distribution Billy may elect to not start WY,EM and PY. However, during the most crucial moments of the game I believe Billy will many times have those three on the floor together because I know that's who he trusts. Sad that I had to explain that to you. For the rest of you, I enjoyed the thread and only wanted to add that from my experience who starts isn't nearly as important as who will play when the game is on the line or who Billy might believe is our best line up.

[tupacbiff]

This is the most ignorant post I have seen in a while Tupac.

Your right, only idiots with names like Popovich, Carlisle, Brooks, Coach k etc. etc. don't always start their best player's. Due to things like foul distribution, balance on the floor, chemistry, pshycology etc.. Coaches many times do not start their best five guy's. With this Gator team we have three legit post players so due to foul distribution and minute distribution Billy may elect to not start WY,EM and PY. However, during the most crucial moments of the game I believe Billy will many times have those three on the floor together because I know that's who he trusts. Sad that I had to explain that to you. For the rest of you, I enjoyed the thread and only wanted to add that from my experience who starts isn't nearly as important as who will play when the game is on the line or who Billy might believe is our best line up.

Ignorant or sarcastic?

[maleko83]

I think Scottie at the point makes most sense. After the way everything 'clicked' for Prather at the end of last year, I'd like to see him starting at the 3. The comment from earlier about his time coming at the 4 does give me a little pause, but if he showed the talent this offseason that he showed at the end of last year, that's his spot. Yeguete being the 6th man. Put me in the camp of not sold on Rosario yet.

[grant1]

Most of this position dicsussion is laughable. Most of BD's teams since the championship years had so many interchangable parts, that it was not possible to label individual players a specific position.

Sounds more like a lot of chest-beating. "Look how smart I am since I know so much".

[don23lucia]

Most of this position dicsussion is laughable. Most of BD's teams since the championship years had so many interchangable parts, that it was not possible to label individual players a specific position.

Sounds more like a lot of chest-beating. "Look how smart I am since I know so much".

THIS!

[rserina]

Most of this position dicsussion is laughable. Most of BD's teams since the championship years had so many interchangable parts, that it was not possible to label individual players a specific position.

Sounds more like a lot of chest-beating. "Look how smart I am since I know so much".
Or it could just a discussion about the team, such as we have lacked for, oh, the last six months.

[InstiGATOR1]

This makes the most sense to me…

1 - Wilbekin, Boynton
2 - Boynton, Rosario
3 - Rosario, Prather
4 - Murphy, Yeguette
5 - Young, Larson

With a minutes distribution something like:

PG: Wilbekin [25 min], Boynton [10 min], Ogbueze [5 min]
SG: Boyton [20 min], Rosario[10 min], Frazier [5 min], Graham [5 min]
SF: Prather [21 min], Rosario [14 min], D.Walker [5 min]
PF: Murphy [14 min], Yegette [24 min], Prather [2 min]
C: Young [24], Murphy [10], Larson [6]

This could be early season minutes with the guards playing more minutes and the Frosh less in SEC season and possibly one Frosh earning most of the Frosh minutes if someone steps forward.

[tupacbiff]

So what happens with foul trouble? Injuries? Other issues?

[InstiGATOR1]

So what happens with foul trouble? Injuries? Other issues?

My guess is that rather than play 4 on 5 or 3 on 5, in case of foul trouble or injury Donovan will adjust the minutes increasing minutes for those who are not in are not in foul trouble or injured and decrease minutes for those who are in foul trouble or injured. But then that is just my guess.

[Ahab]

I don't see Billy going 12 deep.

[tupacbiff]

My guess is that rather than play 4 on 5 or 3 on 5, in case of foul trouble or injury Donovan will adjust the minutes increasing minutes for those who are not in are not in foul trouble or injured and decrease minutes for those who are in foul trouble or injured. But then that is just my guess.

Thanks for proving my point.

[StrangeGator]

I don't see Billy going 12 deep.

We always look like we can go 12 deep this time of year. I'm guessing we'll end up eight or nine deep. Not sure who will provide the most bench minutes beyond Rosario and Yeguette. Hopefully Larson.

[GatorLurker]

Starting five is over-rated. Which 5 will be on the floor in a close game with a minute to go and a lead? And which 5 with a deficit? And what are the O vs D switches? This matters a lot more.

[gatordd]

Walker isn't going to see much run if any. Neither will Dillon IMO but we will see. It's not that Dillon isn't a good player, he is, I just think that we are so deep in the back-court that it may take a year.t

Can you see him playing significant minutes ahead of Boynton/Rosario/Wilbekin/Braxton/Frazier/Prather/Yeguete? I cant. That's 120 minutes between 7 guys...Don't see it for Dillon or Walker. I think we'll be more like 9 deep on given night.

[GatorPlanet]

Most of this position dicsussion is laughable. Most of BD's teams since the championship years had so many interchangable parts, that it was not possible to label individual players a specific position.

Sounds more like a lot of chest-beating. "Look how smart I am since I know so much".

Jesus. We're just discussing possible starting lineups. Thanks for contributing.

[grant1]

Jesus. We're just discussing possible starting lineups. Thanks for contributing.

You're welcome. You know me, I like to "tweak" the conversation.

[InstiGATOR1]

Walker isn't going to see much run if any. Neither will Dillon IMO but we will see. It's not that Dillon isn't a good player, he is, I just think that we are so deep in the back-court that it may take a year.t

Can you see him playing significant minutes ahead of Boynton/Rosario/Wilbekin/Braxton/Frazier/Prather/Yeguete? I cant. That's 120 minutes between 7 guys...Don't see it for Dillon or Walker. I think we'll be more like 9 deep on given night.

I am not sure how anyone can pick among Frazier, Graham, Ogbueze and D.Walker as to playing time. In terms of position there is less depth at PG and SF than SG so that would suggest Ogbueze and D.Walker are more likely to get more minutes than Frazier or Graham.

As far as Frazier or Graham, I do not see how anyone can have any basis for saying Frazier will play and Graham wont. They are two blanks slates. Neither had the kind of recruiting ranking that will command minutes. Both are playing behind two very experienced SR SGs.

So as I said in my first post in this thread, Wilbekin, Boynton, Rosario, Prather, Yeguete, Murphy and Young will command the lions share of the minutes this year. If everyone plays 25ish minute with Boynton playing 5 extra minutes, then you have taken up 180 out of 200 minutes. That leaves some minutes for Larson and whoever among the Frosh can earn minutes.

[GatorPlanet]

Apparently, BD hinted at media days this week that Scottie gets the first crack at starting point guard.

[themistocles]

Good point Insti, although Ogbuze and Frazier may have something of an edge regarding minutes, but as you noted, with Boynton and Rosario in front of Frazier, there ain't much time there, while Ogbuze looks to me like he should get 10-15 minutes per game (unless some other PG steps up). Wilbekin will likely play other positions during games, if for no other reason than his defensive prowess, and I don't know that there is anyone else to play point, well, I guess Boynton could - we might well see Boynton point, Rosario two, Wilbekin three.

Every season is interesting.

For me, one big question is: "Can these Gators beat Tennessee in Knoxville (the only contest between these two arch rivals)?"

[akaGatorhoops]

Wilby
Boynton
Prather
Murphy
Young

[GatorPlanet]

Wilby
Boynton
Prather
Murphy
Young

The small forward is the wild card. Prather and Rosario will be the guys battling it out, and they each bring very different skills to the table. My guess is that Rosario wins it, but if Prather makes a BIG jump, he'll get the job.

[Ahab]

I see Ogbueze getting minutes at the point and then which ever freshman is the best shooter out of Frazier, Graham or Walker. Think we'll need one of them in the rotation to help spread the floor.

[swampgas44]

Good point Insti, although Ogbuze and Frazier may have something of an edge regarding minutes, but as you noted, with Boynton and Rosario in front of Frazier, there ain't much time there, while Ogbuze looks to me like he should get 10-15 minutes per game (unless some other PG steps up). Wilbekin will likely play other positions during games, if for no other reason than his defensive prowess, and I don't know that there is anyone else to play point, well, I guess Boynton could - we might well see Boynton point, Rosario two, Wilbekin three.

Every season is interesting.

For me, one big question is: "Can these Gators beat Tennessee in Knoxville (the only contest between these two arch rivals)?"

Ogbueze (sp) :huh:

[ThePlayer]

Rosario at point would be a disaster, imo.

Billy is going with the disaster.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

So, it'll be Wilbekin, Boynton, Rosario, Murphy and Young.

It's not far out to suggest that a lot of this season could hinge on the development of Prather and Rosario, along with Wilbekin's ability to create as the starter at PG.

[MJGator8104]

Rosario at point would be a disaster, imo.

Agreed, fortunately, Rosario will be the 3 and Wilbekin will be the point...

[GatorsGators]

Billy is going with the disaster.So Wilbekin and Rosario are both starting, yet Rosario is going to play the point?

Makes sense.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

No, Wilbekin gets the first crack at PG.

[gatordd]

Rosario at PG lol! Not happenen.. but that boy can get buckets! So excited for Thursday! Let's go boys!!!

[gator07]

Maybe Billy Donovan himself could crack the starting five since he's on the roster.

http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/bios.php

[akaGatorhoops]

^^ that is his son, who transferred from Catholic U. and is a walk-on.

[akaGatorhoops]

Billy is going with the disaster.

Rosario will not be the pg.

[ETGator1]

JMHO, Rosario isn't big or strong enough to be successful at the 3. He gets injured too easily to boot.

I'd rather it be a combo of Rosario and Prather. It likely will take both players stats to replace Bradley Beal. Moving Will Yeguette down to the 3 would have made sense until Larson decided to move on. The closest 3 we have on the roster is Prather. I guess there is always hope that Casey can take his individual game and subordinate it to Billy Ball.

[tampajack1]

JMHO, Rosario isn't big or strong enough to be successful at the 3. He gets injured too easily to boot.

I'd rather it be a combo of Rosario and Prather. It likely will take both players stats to replace Bradley Beal. Moving Will Yeguette down to the 3 would have made sense until Larson decided to move on. The closest 3 we have on the roster is Prather. I guess there is always hope that Casey can take his individual game and subordinate it to Billy Ball.

I don't believe that Casey needs to subordinate his game. He just needs to eliminate mistakes and play within the flow of the game. He has plenty of talent and is a legitimate small forward.

[InstiGATOR1]

There are some MYTHS about what Beal brought to UF last year partly because he was drafted so high on potential and how pretty his shot looked. Here is a summary of the plus and minus characteristics:

1. 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. That is a fair number of both points and rebounds in the Donovan system.

2. 2.1 turnovers per game and 5 or 6 in many of the big games UF played last season, Ohio State 5 turnovers, Cuse 5, at UTn 5, at UAR 6, ect. It did not happen every big game and as my list shows, UF did not lose every big turnover game he had. Still Beal was a frosh who had way too many turnovers as frosh will.

3. 34% shooting from the arc. So he and Rosario shot essentially the same percentage from the arc. Though Beal's shot is prettier which is some of what got him drafted so early.

4. Solid D but undersized for the position which cost UF at times.

Rosario has a very good potential to replace all of this.

[dalwood13]

There are some MYTHS about what Beal brought to UF last year partly because he was drafted so high on potential and how pretty his shot looked. Here is a summary of the plus and minus characteristics:

1. 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. That is a fair number of both points and rebounds in the Donovan system.

2. 2.1 turnovers per game and 5 or 6 in many of the big games UF played last season, Ohio State 5 turnovers, Cuse 5, at UTn 5, at UAR 6, ect. It did not happen every big game and as my list shows, UF did not lose every big turnover game he had. Still Beal was a frosh who had way too many turnovers as frosh will.

3. 34% shooting from the arc. So he and Rosario shot essentially the same percentage from the arc. Though Beal's shot is prettier which is some of what got him drafted so early.

4. Solid D but undersized for the position which cost UF at times.

Rosario has a very good potential to replace all of this.

As a team, we can replace what Bradley did. Mike alone will not replace what Beal was able to contribute to this team. The scoring and the shooting, Mike will strongly contribute to, but the rebounding and defense will be replaced by Wilbekin and Prather, because Rosario will not be defending many, if any opposing wings. Rosario will also be getting back on offensive rebounds and outletting for fast breaks, while Wilbekin and Prather will be going to the glass.

I actually believe we have the potential to be a much more rounded and overall better team than last season, even after losing the third overall pick in the NBA draft. That is no slight on Beal, just a statement that as a team, we can be improved.

[themistocles]

Interesting that this had turned into another thread about replacing Beal, I guess that's why Insti started one specifically on that topic.

I am curious why nobody has started any threads about replacing Walker. I mean, he was an excellent shooter and a very good ball handler as well.

Of course, Wilbekin has done more than anyone ever expected of him both of his two years as a Gator, so perhaps that is why no one is saying: "Who will replace Walker?", because they expect Wilbekin to do that.

[gulfgator]

still not sure why anyone thinks Rosario will be point, Scotty will be the starter and I think eventually Braxton will get time as well for point.

[bullish]

my 5:

Ogubeze pg, Frazier SF, Boynton 2g, yegette pf, young c

Now this is Gator Firepower, errr Gatorade! lol

2nd team

wilbekin pg, graham 2g, prather sf, yegette pf, murphy c