Live from Charleston . . . IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!
I am typing from the Hyatt Place Lobby, passing time between meals and basketball games. . . both of which I’ve enjoyed in excess.
The hoops have been particularly palatable, especially since recent outings had left a bad taste for most Gators fans.
So, with that said . . . let’s dig in!
THE GOOD: Keeping in mind this section is titled ‘GOOD’, and not “GREAT’, I’ll throw some deserved kudos to the fan base and the UAA. Though outnumbered by both UCONN and Xavier fans, Florida is fairly well represented here in Charleston. I was told by a tourney official the Gators boast the largest alumni base in the city, whereas the Huskies and Musketeers sold the greatest number of tickets. So, while Florida maybe didn’t travel well, its fans have shown out in solid numbers for two early weekday games. The Orange and Blue was loud and proud during a dominating performance over rival Miami, and did a nice job boo-ing an embattled officiating crew off the court at halftime of Friday’s contest.
The UAA seemingly lifted a longstanding and foolish policy of excluding ‘spirit squads’ for any anything other than a post-season tournament. I know this seems trivial, but its marketing . . .branding . .. showing support . . . and importing some excitement. These are areas I’ve critiqued in the past, and had even specifically railed about this policy. I was happy to see the Dazzlers and Albert. Probably more so The Dazzlers, but I digress. Kidding aside, it was nice to see this commitment. I’d imagine it was not cheap bringing this additional group for a relatively long event. So, kudos to Scott Stricklin and staff!
Actually, while on the subject of ‘fans’ and such . . let me offer one more ‘good’. Last night several of our players attended the Xavier game, and sat together among the crowd. . . and in the same row I was seated. They were, of course, quite recognizable . . . especially among Gators fans. I watched, as …one after another… fans approached, offered congratulations and requested a picture. Each time our guys smiled and obliged … all rising to stand together for a photo with the fan. It happened a lot, yet our guys showed genuine appreciation and enthusiasm each time. It was nice to see.
THE BAD: Florida nearly duffed its opening game versus Saint Joe’s, barely averting a loss that would have been something more than ‘bad’. The Gators all but relquinshed a 18-point margin, and led by only a bucket with :56 remaining. It was an all-too-familiar scenario that pushed Florida to the brink . . . poor shooting and tentative play. The Gators blitzed Saint Joe’s with seven 3-pointers in an opening half that yielded a 41-25 lead at the break, but missed all four of its attempts from the arc thereafter. Perhaps most frustrating was what appeared to be Florida reverting to overly cautious play – and an abandonment of any effort to push the pace or attack. Instead, the Gators looked like it wanted to simply hold-on until the buzzer sounded. Thankfully, it finally did – but Coach White and his Gators will need to be better “playing to win” and finishing games. In fairness, Florida faced some unexpected, ugly adversity . . .
THE UGLY: A week ago Coach Nostradomus. . . err… Coach White stated how important it would be for Kerry Blackshear to lead his team on the road – to not play with frustration or negative emotion – both of which popped up a bit in a previous game, and then boiled over liked a Charleston bouillabaisse versus Saint Josephs. We can argue the validity of the ejection . . .maybe. We can wonder why the officials didn’t stop the action sooner. But what is undeniable is Kerry lost his cool and hurt his team. Blackshear is a 5th-year player, and potential All-American. He is the unquestioned leader of this team and its steadying influence on the court. His critical role isn’t lost on opponents, all of whom have worked hard to get him into foul trouble. Blackshear will be a target this year – for rival fans, opposing players and perhaps even officials who might not give the big guy a fair whistle all the time. Through all of this, Kerry will absolutely need to keep his cool and provide the emotional maturity of a leader . . . a leader with more responsibility than he has shouldered at any point during his career. To his credit, Kerry did so . . . and more . . . in the game that followed.
On a different note, there is no way I’m moving past this section without mentioning the officials. Though improved during the second half of the game versus Miami, the officiating has been horrendous . . . bad enough that I am hoping to see Teddy Valentine tomorrow night. Enough said.
THE BEAUTIFUL: Florida’s dominating 20-point win over Miami was like an offensive cleansing. ‘Let it rain’, said Gators fans . . . and then reveled in the lightening speed of Ques Glover and thunderous dunks Scottie Lewis. Florida unleashed a second-half torrent, turning the 5-point halftime margin into the final 78-58 spread. It was easily Florida’s best and most complete performance to date, and one that showcased a ‘quiet’ 20-point/11-rebound game from Blackshear and a reverberating 13-point/8 rebound explosion from Scottie Lewis. The former simply went about the business of ‘doing it all’ and recording what may become a rather routine double/double, whereas the latter displayed what fans hope can become routine . . .routinely ridiculous, rim-rattling attacks on the hoop. Ques Glover stepped-in and stepped-up for Tre Mann (concussion protocol) and looked as capable and exciting as some preseason reports hinted. Glover was one of four Gators to hit double digit scoring, in a game that finally provided some truly promising offense. . . and even a bit of transition. There was some pace, movement and fluidity . . . what seemed to be a sense of growing comfort within Florida’s game. It was, dare I say . . . beautiful. Let’s hope its not fleeting! Tomorrow we find out.
In the meantime, I gotta go grab a bite to eat.
Go Gators!