One of the great parts of Gator Country is the relationship the writing staff can have with the members through the message boards.
As we get closer and closer to the 2025-26 college basketball season, I thought it was time for another Gator Country member Q&A where I take questions directly from members and answer them for all who want to read. This will be a multi-part series as I take time to answer every single question that is posted on the Full Court Press message board. If you haven’t already read part one, you can do so here. Let’s get into part two.
GatorfanCF: “Who is taking up the leadership role that the three senior guards (especially Martin) offered last year? Thanks!”
For this, you definitely have to look at the frontcourt where you now see not only some of the most talent on the roster, but the players with the most experience at Florida. Thomas Haugh has really stepped up with the amount he is talking in practice, and while Alex Condon might not be quite as talkative–when he talks, people listen. Plus, his work ethic and fearlessness playing against contact are something that is noticed by the younger players on the roster even though they are largely at the wing position.
As the year goes on, Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee will likely take on more of a leadership role–but when it comes to joining a National Championship team, it’s hard to come in and immediately be the loudest voice–unlike last year, when Alijah Martin could join a team that disappointed relative to talent the year prior. Plus, he had the Final Four experience that the other Gators did not. So, look for some of the returning Champions to take on most of the leadership early as Golden installs his systems and culture pieces, and look for Fland and Lee to take some more of those roles as the season goes on.
Donnell: “Eric, do you think Lloyd could eventually fill the role of a lead combo type guard or do you view him as a true wing guard?”
I see him as a lead combo guard type down the line. I have loved what I have seen from him in high school and am a massive believer in his ability to score with his lethal jumper and smooth ball handling. He is definitely best with the rock in his hands which might make things a bit challenging to start his college career, but I think he figures out his game in more of a complementary role at first, and then down the line becomes a lead guard that controls Florida’s offense.
Looking at this year, I do genuinely think Lloyd is more talented than a lot of the other wings he will be competing for minutes with, though I don’t think he necessarily fits the best with what Florida will need around the returning frontcourt and big name transfer guards. Lloyd doesn’t have the size to guard the small forward spot, and he does need a bit of work on his general defensive coverages as most young players do. However, I think he is so good that he will end up either starting, or at least playing important minutes down the stretch of close games.
Juggernautz: “Barring any injuries, what is your projection for us as far as what our record
will be?”
I mentioned in part one of the series that I thought Florida would take two non-conference losses. Now, looking towards SEC play, I see the Gators competing for a regular season Championship with the talent and a favorable schedule to do so. Finishing at the top of the league will likely mean between 3-5 losses, and with the league still being so good, I’ll say they go 14-4 in regular season play.
MaitlandGator: “Do you think that Tommy (Haugh) can effectively defend at the 3 position in SEC play?”
I think Haugh will be a capable defender at the three, using his length to give a cushion to smaller players who are threats to beat him off the dribble. More so than his individual defense at that position, the advantage of Haugh at the 3 will more come with his role as a help defender where he can use his length to help at the rim and play in passing lanes. In the SEC, a lot of the threes are stationary catch and shoot players and Haugh will be able to do a lot more roaming off ball when matched up with these players, using his size and speed to affect the ball while having enough recovery time to get back and contest shooters.
JessienJr: “Who do you think will lead the team in each category (i.e. scoring, rebounds, assists, etc.)?”
Fun question! If it’s not out already, soon I will have my preseason transfer predictions out and that will answer a few of these questions in greater detail, but I’ll also make some notes here.
To lead in scoring, I’ll go with Boogie Fland.
Assists… I will also go Boogie Fland, though this seems dangerous with Xaivian Lee giving a good push for both categories–plus a frontcourt player could definitely make their presence felt in the scoring category.
Rebounding, I’m going Alex Condon. He’ll be on the floor a ton, giving him the edge over Chinyelu who could be vying for the title.
Three-point percentage, I’ll go Urban Klavzar, who won’t be taking the most attempts and that will help his percentages.
How about steals? I’m going to go Boogie Fland here as well, as he was a menace at taking the ball away while at Arkansas.
Thank you for your questions, and I hope you enjoyed the read as the college basketball season gets closer and closer.