Sophomore guard Riley Kugel has seen highs and lows through Florida’s 6-3 start to their 2023/24 campaign, posting 24 and 25-point games against Wake Forest and Baylor while scoring just five points apiece against FAMU and Merrimack. The Orlando native is averaging 13.6 points per game on 40.7% shooting while turning the ball over three times a game.
Head Coach Todd Golden has tried to place an emphasis on his team providing the same level of energy, intent, and focus every game, no matter the opponent. Kugel has appeared too casual at times this year, seemingly playing up and down to his opponents.
“I definitely would say I was playing too casual,” Kugel said on his five-point game against Merrimack. “I wouldn’t blame, but my whole life when we play someone not up to our level I usually play down. That’s something I have to work on.”
With a plethora of offensive weapons on this year’s squad compared to lasts, Kugel will not be the go-to guy every single game.
“It’s a new situation. Different role, different team, and, you know, it’s going to be, some nights it’s going to be his night like it was against Baylor and against Wake, and there are going to be other nights where other guys are scoring it,” Golden said on his conversations with Kugel about effort.
Golden has been pleased with Kugel’s defensive ability this season, specifically in Florida’s latest win over Richmond. Kugel limited Richmond’s top scorer in Jordan King, who shot just 6-15 from the floor including 0-4 from the three-point line.
“I was really proud of his defensive effort against Richmond,” Golden said. “I thought he did a wonderful job on King, you know, the whole time he was on him, to start the game specifically, that guy had been really, really good offensively, and was a really big threat to us, and for him to be able to go out and kind of set the tone, and I don’t think he gave up a point to him all game when he was guarding him, and that’s really hard to do. That guy’s a really good offensive player, so, you know just continuing to pour in the defensive end know that the offense will work itself out, and like I said to Chris, when he’s guarding like that he’s going to get some freedom offensively. That’s kind of a trade-off, and, again, he gave us a great defensive effort and he’s our best perimeter defender. ZP’s up there as well, they’re both really good that way, but he gives us another element on the defensive end when he’s playing with that energy and enthusiasm.”
While Kugel struggled shooting the rock vs Richmond, Golden was pleased to see the defensive effort from his star guard.
“I think he understands, and there’s going to be ups and downs throughout the year. But the response on the court is what we needed to see. It was a great effort defensively, and trying to get himself going a little bit offensively, being aggressive and trying to pick his spots,” Golden said on Wednesday morning.
Kugel is averaging 1.6 steals per game and has shown the ability to close on the perimeter using his length and athleticism.
“I’d say I’ve improved a lot more just because I just want it more,” Kugel said on his defensive improvements. “Defense is really just if you’re willing to do it, then it’s easy. Not really I wouldn’t say easy. But I think my talents and abilities give me an easier way to defend people this year.”
Kugel also noted on the importance on having a consistent approach and mindset to each game.
“It’s just a mindset thing, stay focused, stay confident, treat everybody the same way – just don’t downplay anything,” Kugel said.
Kugel and this Florida Gators’ team have their mind on winning, according to Kugel.
“We want to win, like the whole team wants to win, you just have different vibes, different mindsets, from this year compared to last year, just a whole different culture we’re making and just being around it, it’s always fun,” Kugel said. “That will always be my attitude, I always just want to win, so whatever we’ve got to do, to get the job done, so be it. I just want to win.”
Florida is set to take on East Carolina in Lakeland on Thursday night at 7:00 PM EST.