I’ve often wanted to be on the other side of a bar . . . as in, the bartender. It always looked kind of fun, though I guess “my side” is fun too. Still, I never did attain the label of “mixologist”.
But that’s all changing here and now . . . with this column . . . as I serve up a host of hoops cocktails!
And the 2018-2019 roster provides plenty of ingredients to stir into a variety of potentially powerful potions!
In fact, this year’s squad promises to be among the deepest in the nation, and may prove to be atop the category. It is an attribute that manifested early in practice, and one that has presented Coach White with a fortunate “problem”.
“I think the seniors have separated themselves a little bit. After that, just about everyone else on scholarship, from four to 13, has an opportunity to play. And can you play 13, I don’t know how effectively we can play 13 guys,” White said.
As White wondered, I busily mixed and matched those ‘13 guys’. So pull up a stool next to hoops legend Bill Koss, and ready yourself for a bevy of my most potent and sometimes whacky lineup elixirs.
The Starters Blend:
Andrew Nembhard
KeVaughn Allen
Jalen Hudson
Keith Stone
Kavarrius Hayes
Outlook: There is little doubt this is the proverbial “starting lineup” and one that could give opponents a rough hangover. It places the fore mentioned seniors on the floor, along with versatile Jr. Keith Stone. Freshman point guard Andrew Nembhard has drawn rave reviews from Coach White as “an elite passer with size” and one who has a chance to be in the conversation as one of the “better passers in college basketball”. His surrounding starters will provide plenty assist opportunities. Hudson is one of the conference’s most dynamic scorers, while Stone led the team in 3-point percentage a season ago. And, of course, never sleep on uber-talented Allen . . . who has shown signs of a return to form. Hayes may have to clean up some defensive lapses here – as Nembhard adjusts and Stone and Hudson seek defensive consistency.
Koss’ Critique: This is the tallest 3 guard front in the history of Florida Basketball. Keith Stone should be able to get a bunch of open looks as defenses try to contain the perimeter.
The Platoon Potion:
Mike Okauru
Noah Locke
Deaundrae Ballard
Chase Johnson/Keyontae Johnson
Gorjok Gak/Bassett/Stokes
Outlook: A certain coach and program we won’t mention here recently coined its dual lineups as a “platoon” system. White won’t go with this, but if he ever does a hockey-style shift . . . the Gators’ second line may look like the above. And it’s pretty darn good! The mentioned depth even makes this group interchangeable, with guys like Stokes, Bassett and Keyontae Johnson equally likely to be part of the rotation. In fact, White recently said . . . “I can’t tell you one of the 13 that I just know is not going to play, and I think that’s a good problem to have”. We’ll raise a glass to that!
Koss’ Critique: Ballard and Keyontae Johnson and Stokes are wild cards here. Ballard has stood out in practice with his quickness and KJ is not afraid to initiate contact as a scorer. He has some Livingston Chatman look-alike qualities in appearance and finishing at rim.
The Bombs Away Ale:
Mike Okauru
Noah Locke
Jalen Hudson
Keith Stone
Isaiah Stokes
Outlook: Looking for a triple shot? This quintet would be hard to beat. Okauru, Hudson and Stone all shot above 40% from the arc a season ago. And word leaking from the practice courts is that Noah Locke could more than challenge for “best shooter” title. White has said Lock has enjoyed a “really good fall”, while Stokes continues to work on conditioning. The Rowdies have already dubbed the three-point line “Noah’s Arc”, but expect to see all five of these guys find their spots . . . including Stokes, who sometimes drifts there even more than White may like! But if he makes ‘em . . .no one will complain. And he can! The scariest part of this grouping? It doesn’t . . . but probably should . . . include KeVaughn Allen.
Koss’ Critique: This group really spreads the Floor. They give up rebounding but teams will really have a challenge to guard a much larger half court footprint.
The Antidote:
Mike Okauru
Noah Locke
Jalen Hudson
Dontay Bassett
Kevarrius Hayes
Outlook: Florida’s antidote to a high-scoring opponent may not be its strongest of mixtures, and this grouping may not prove the remedy. But both Okauru and Locke have shown-out defensively in practices, and the latter has suggested he may have even surprised Coach White a bit. “I feel like I’ve surprised him some,” he said. “It’s all a mental thing… I always knew I could stop somebody on defense, it’s just the mentality I have”. High-scoring Hudson snubbed the NBA to work on his game, and specifically his defensive focus. The skill is there, and the “want to” seems sincere. Hayes has always been a terrific help defender and shot-blocker, while White has referred to Bassett as the Gators most physical player.
Koss’ Critique: Turnovers are a major threat with this lineup. If either Stone or Hayes are in foul trouble Bassett is the first option to play those minutes but getting some kind of rhythm offensively will be hard.
Speed Kills Concoction:
Andrew Nembhard
Mike Okauru
Jalen Hudson
Deaundrae Ballard
Kevarrius Hayes
Outlook: Don’t hold your breath on seeing this grouping, but if White wanted a fast 4-guard lineup . . . this is it. Nembhard doesn’t have the same speed as Okauru, but together, represent a backcourt that can get up the floor very quickly. No one will leave Hudson in the wake during a runout; Ballard plays sometimes too fast and Hayes runs the floor beautifully for a big man. This potion will hit ya fast, but definitely needs a chaser.
Koss’ Critique: Really doubt if you will ever see this combination on the floor. Gators give up a lot in transition defense and Hudson would be a prime target for the opponent to frustrate.
The Old-Timers Tonic:
Mike Okauru
KeVaughn Allen
Jalen Hudson
Keith Stone
Kevarrius Hayes
Outlook: White cannot offer an all upper-classman lineup, but this is a vintage, well-aged substitute, with four players entering at least a fourth season of collegiate basketball (Hudson is a 5th year senior). Okauru is the baby of the bunch, but he was groomed by Florida’s 4-year legend, Chris Chiozza. Not by coincidence, this looks very similar to the Starters Blend.
Koss’ Critique: This starts to look like a lineup that could be very successful. Allen, Hudson and Hayes have stood out with leadership responsibility this year and I believe KeVaughn is going to have a high level of success this season.
On The Rocks:
Andrew Nembhard
Noah Locke
KeVaughn Allen
Chase Johnson
Isaiah Stokes
Outlook: If the Gators need to ice a game late from the free-throw line, these are the guys. Of course, it is unlikely players like Hudson and Stone will be benched during winning time, but their respective 66% and 72% free throw clips don’t qualify ‘em for my phony list. And admittedly, KA is the only proven performer here, having converted over 90% a season ago. Nembhard had a fantastic 93% conversion rate during his final high school season, while Locke was barely below 80%. The sample size for Chase is small, but he made 5 of 6 before injury. And I need not look up Stokes’ stats to tell you they are better than that of Hayes or Gak.
Set ‘em up, and these group can knock ‘em down!
Koss’ Critique: Interior defense and rebounding suffer a bunch with this group but Chase Johnson becomes a really intriguing option at the four spot with his agility and maneuverability.
The Mix-Up Mixer:
KeVaughn Allen
Jalen Hudson
Chase Johnson
Keith Stone
Isaiah Stokes
Outlook: With “position-less basketball” becoming a popular phrase, this grouping provides 5 guys with the ability to move around the offensive floor. This lineup certainly has some shortcomings, but versatility would not be one. On a related note, it has been recently revealed that both Allen and Hudson have been taking some reps at the point guard position during practices. The Gators will need more than one designated driver of its offense.
Koss’ Critique: Hudson really takes on an uncomfortable role here because he plays much better off the ball but Johnson can play the 3 and is a very good offensive rebounder. Plenty of creative movement on the floor with these three bigs offensively.
The Lengthy Libation:
Andrew Nembhard
Jalen Hudson
Keyontae Johnson
Chase Johnson
Gorjok Gak
Outlook: This lineup is long – on height and talent, and one I’d like to see on the menu… but perhaps only in the backcourt. The trio of Nembhard/Hudson/K. Johnson would provide tons of perimeter length, especially considering the latter’s 6-11 wingspan. Gak, of course, is the tallest player on the squad and Chase is a long and skilled… even if not robust… power forward. The deficit here would be scoring/shooting – – something Florida should have plenty of, and will not want to stash away on the shelf.
Koss’ Critique: This group might surprise you. If Gak can recover from his knee issues his size really brings out the strengths of the “Johnson Boys” These two players have a very high basketball IQ and they are both good teammates without the ball. Hudson takes on a really key role here.
The Bruisers Brew:
KeVaughn Allen
Noah Locke
Keyontae Johnson
Isaiah Stokes
Dontay Bassett
Outlook: A year ago White oft lamented his team’s toughness and lack of physicality. And gone are two of his tougher guys – Chiozza and Koulechov. But this lineup is pretty solid – – literally. KeVaughn has a body-builder’s physique, while the backcourt mate, Locke, has shown a tenacious mentality. Keyonte Johnson is reportedly relentless in pursuit of the ball, while Stokes provides the girth. And Coach White has often referred to Bassett as his most willing physical player. This is a stout combination.
Koss’ Critique: This is another lineup that is really unlikely to ever occur. They are at a big disadvantage when a team presses and would be compromised in transition defense
Well, there ya have it folks. Close out your tabs, and don’t forget to tip your bartender. Speaking of tips – – – feel free to post any of your potential mixes. The forum patrons will surely give some feedback.
Go Gators!