Senior guard Will Richard met with the media on Monday. Here’s everything Richard had to say.
On Handlogten’s return:
“It was great. Just knowing how hard he’s attacked the recovery process, it was big to see him come back and just have fun and just get a win. It was big for us.”
On Handlogten scoring and the crowd’s reaction:
“For sure. We all expected that. Just seeing him, the sacrifice he had made to come back, it’s big. I’m glad he got to experience that and the support from the fans that he did.”
On the depth Handlogten provides:
“It’s huge. He came back, and he gives us a lot of support down there. We’ve seen, he’s been doing really good in practice, so we knew he was capable of coming back and making an impact like that. So it was good to see him come back and make that kind of impact in the game.”
On backcourt dynamic with Aberdeen starting recently and Martin returning:
“I feel like Denzel is another starter anyway. The dynamic hasn’t changed. He’s come in and given us the same impact that he does every game. But he’s definitely taken his game to another level having A-Mart out so it’s been a good relief having him back there and providing the impact he has.”
On if he’s ever surprised by who has a great game:
“No. I mean, that’s the fun part about with this team. We got so many guys who can score and impact the game. It’s fun to be a part of a team like that because it can be anyone’s night any given night, so it’s fun to go out there and support each other and win games.”
On chemistry not being impacted by a player not having a great game:
“We all love playing for each other. We’re all playing to win. It doesn’t matter who gets the credit. We just want to win games.”
On Florida’s starting lineup changes:
“I’d say it goes back to our chemistry. I feel like we all play good together. So even with the different switch in the starting lineups, there’s no drop-off. We’ve played the same we have all season. It’s been fun.”
On the team’s message over its last six games before the postseason:
“We’re trying to win every game the rest of the season. We’ve been playing good up to this point, so just trying to take our game to another level while keying in on the details that can help us improve and just try to get into a groove going into the postseason.”
On Oklahoma’s backcourt:
“They have a lot of talent on that team. So just attacking the game the same way we do every other game, but we know we have to key on [Fears]. He’s a very good player. Definitely try to slow him down. He’s a key to their deal. So slowing him down and just staying on our keys and personnel and being locked in.”
On what the team is trying to improve on before the NCAA tournament:
“For us, it’s the little things, like making sure our effort and energy is there for a whole 40 minutes of the game. Little details on defense, making sure we’re in the right spot. And making sure we’re consistent on the glass, and with some of our bigs out it’s going to take some of the guards coming in and helping out. So just picking up each other and playing a 40-minute game.”
On Florida’s AP Poll ranking:
“We’re pretty good about staying level-headed. We just want to win every game. So for us, we just like to not stay content on where we are and just work to improve.”
On Florida’s roster depth:
“It definitely helps, especially being in the SEC. It’s a battle every night, so you’re going to have injuries, some bruises and stuff like that. So having a team this deep is definitely a relief. You know you have so many guys who can come and impact games.”
On feeding off the home crowd:
“It’s been great. Playing in front of the fans in the O’Dome has been special. They’ve packed it up every night. They definitely gives us a boost.”