2009 Gator Basketball PT Projections and Predictions
PLAYER...........................C......PF...'..SF...'..SG..'..PG......TOTAL
V. Macklin.''..JR.'..6'10..240.........25.................................................. .....25
K. Kadji.........SO.'.6'10..248..........8.....'....6............................''................14
A. Tyus....''...JR.'..6' 8.'.220....................22.........4................................'..26
E. Murphy......FR...6'10..215.......''..7.....''...7................'.............................14
D. Werner..'..SR...6' 8.'.230.....................5........16....................''.............21
C. Parsons..''..JR.''.6' 9...215...........................'...16.........4..............'.........20
K. Boynton...FR...6' 2...183..........................................18.......10.............28
R. Shipman.''..SO.'.6' 5...210................................4........12....''...4...........'..20
E. Walker.....SO.'.5' 8...171...........................................4....'...24........''....28
R. Tishman.''..FR...6' 5...182.........................''.................2....'....2...............4
..............................................___......___......___......___.......___........______
...............................................40........40.......40........40........40..........200 Min
Why I Like This Team
1. Athleticism: Speed at guard. Boynton, Walker and Shipman can fly. Boynton can create shots off the dribble, bring it to the rack and finish. That's an exciting brand of ball the Gators have not seen in years. Love it! We also upgraded in front court with Macklin bringing an athletic shot blocker to the middle allowing Tyus to show off his natural skills at PF after being forced to play out of position as a Center last year.
2. Front Court Size/Depth: We have three legitimate big men at center. It was depressing last year as the Gators worked hard to score a bucket only to see opposing teams post up and score any easy deuce against our undersized front court. Billy has a more experienced Kadji and the addition of Macklin and Murphy to stop those mismatches this year. He has four legitimate options at PF to keep them fresh and active on the boards and on defense. As already mentioned, Alex Tyus is now freed up and looking to earn conference honors as he can use his skills at power foward to be a major contributor on the glass and in scoring.
3. Versitility: Shipman and Parsons give the Gators two talented 6th men who can play three positions each and create mismatches. Both can play scoring guard or forward. Shipman gives us a guy who can slash to the hoop and at a very athletic 6'5", can D up against any guard in the league. Parsons has the height and savy to shoot over any wing player and clean the boards. Both bring instant energy to the court off the bench. Dan Werner has shown himself to be the ultimate team player who can play either forward position, play hard nosed D and is one of the best passers on the team. He can score if needed but he is at his best making hustle plays, screens and all the little things that may not show up on the stat sheet, but help the team play winning ball. Boynton and Walker can player either guard position and both can take the ball up the court against anyone. Billy hasn't had this many lineup options since the championship teams of '05 and '06.
4. Charisma/Excitement/Uptempo Play: I don't mean to knock the teams of recent years, but they often seemed to lack an exhuberance and cohesiveness when playing. I think we will consistently see a more exciting brand of ball this year. E. Walker quickly endeared himself to Gator fans as a fearless player who never backs down despite his short stature. The addition of ultra talented Kenny Boynton gives Florida a starting back court that can bomb it from NBA three point land or take a player off the dribble. The Shipman/Parsons bench combo gives the Gators a huge advantage over most teams and both will likely play a ton of minutes to keep the team fresh in the 2nd half while Billy unleashes an uptempo game on offense and defense. The defense now has the pieces to challenge teams in the front court and back court with the added size, athleticism and position depth.
The national media is not giving this Gator team a lot of respect but I think they will surprise. I won't predict a W/L record but will say this Gator team should be fun to watch and could give Tennessee and Kentucky a real challenge for the conference title.
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