Gators hope extra time on practice court pays off

[RD_gator]

Here's a good read on what the Florida basketball team has been doing with all of this free time.

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/2...30109809?tc=cr

While the extra practice time might be a drag for players, it hasn’t been for Florida coach Billy Donovan.

“This has been really, really, good, at least for myself,” Donovan said. “I think for our guys, it’s been pretty demanding.”

With the SEC expanding from a 16- to an 18-game regular season, the No. 13 Gators (9-2) will play twice a week from Jan. 7 through their March 9 finale at Kentucky.

Donovan held double-session practices Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to get the Gators ready for the long grind.

In particular, Donovan said he’s focused on defensive efficiency in practice. Offensively, Donovan said he would like to see players continue to recognize each other’s strengths and make the game easier for one another.

[themistocles]

Well, we can certainly hope it helps.

Personally, I would like to know what has happened to Yeguete and Prather.

They were playing terrifically well until the last 2 or 3 games, them they literally disappered, or, in Yeguette's case, turned into a detriment for the team rather than a very strong component of the team in the first 8 or 9 games.

Hopefully this extra practice will bring them back to the team.

[InstiGATOR1]

I agree that Yeguete needs to get back on the beam. I am not sure Prather's game has changed that much.

[gatorbogey]

good to hear the continued emphasis on the defensive side.

making the game easier for each other on the offense - what do you think that means? working on entry passes and positioning/spacing? driving and dishing to the open man?

[G8rNkoko]

It did help Boynton......he was on fire from three point land. 8 of 10

[RD_gator]

Originally Posted by gatorbogey

good to hear the continued emphasis on the defensive side.

making the game easier for each other on the offense - what do you think that means? working on entry passes and positioning/spacing? driving and dishing to the open man?

I think probably making the extra pass to a player with a better chance of making the shot! For the PG (i.e, KB) to go into the lane more often to either finish at the rim or make the smart pass. Coach Donovan alluded to Boynton that most of his shots (60%) are from the perimeter and that it would be wise to diversify his offense if possible.

[RD_gator]

Originally Posted by themistocles

Well, we can certainly hope it helps.

Personally, I would like to know what has happened to Yeguete and Prather.

They were playing terrifically well until the last 2 or 3 games, them they literally disappered, or, in Yeguette's case, turned into a detriment for the team rather than a very strong component of the team in the first 8 or 9 games.

Hopefully this extra practice will bring them back to the team.

Against Yale anyways, Yuguete (14 pts, 9 reb) & Prather (9pt, 6 reb, 2A) played solidly. On the other hand, Young (8pts, 3 reb, 2 stl, 3TO, 4 fouls) seemed to have trouble establishing himself offensively with his foul trouble!

At PG, Wilbekin also tore it up with 10 assists!

[ApexNC]

Our practice court probably seats more than Yale's arena

[RD_gator]

Originally Posted by ApexNC

Our practice court probably seats more than Yale's arena

Really?
Then they should allow some of the Florida fans to attend some!

[maxgator]

Hopefully he has also had the team practice inbounding the ball.