Florida basketball held their first preseason practice on Tuesday afternoon at the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex. Gator Country provides our insider notes from today’s practice.
– Senior forward Will Richard was lights out from deep today. The Gators started practice with a four-minute segment that including a 3-on-2 drill and a 4-on-3 transition drill down the court. Richard sunk 4 of 4 three-point attempts in this portion. He later drilled another in 5-on-5’s. Most were catch and shoot opportunities.
WATCH: Richard makes three pointer at buzzer
– Walter Clayton is running point guard for the Gators, a change from last year’s primarily off ball role. There was no drop off in Clayton’s ability to score the basketball. He was efficient all practice, utilizing his deep ball frequently while also showcasing a smooth midrange jumper. On a number of occasions, Clayton was able to drive to the rim and finish through contact. While Clayton was the primary ball handler, the Gators utilized a committee approach at times as well.
WATCH: Clayton records and 1 after behind the back dish from Alijah Martin
– True freshman guard Isaiah Brown made his presence felt early in the practice with a two-handed slam over Alex Condon in a 3-on-2 drill. Brown also exceled on the offensive glass, fighting through two defenders to grab an offensive rebound before the ball was poked away. Brown’s confidence was felt on the floor. The 6’4, 200-pound Orlando native is a physical athlete that could find a role this season.
– Forward Alex Condon looks like a different athlete in year two. He’s much more fluid with increased body control, which helps him finish through contact around the rim. He had multiple and 1’s during practice today.
WATCH: Alex Condon attacks paint, records and 1
– Alijah Martin displayed exceptional defense and athleticism on the court today. Martin made a number of impressive plays including an intercepted pass leading to an alley-oop pass to Sam Alexis for the finish and a left-handed floater through contact for an and 1. Martin is a competitor on the basketball court, but also displayed great leadership towards younger players.
WATCH: Alijah Martin intercepts pass, alley-oop pass to Sam Alexis
– Rueben Chinyelu is going to be a menace for the Gators’ defensively this season. His offensive game needs some work, particularly with finishing under the basket and around the rim, but the 6’10, 255-pound center is an athletic big who can run the court. Chinyelu is an elite rim protector but needs to work on playing defense without fouling.
– Micah Handlogten was as active as you can be without actually practicing. Handlogten was shooting around before practice and was seen jogging without a noticeable limp. Handlogten stayed close by during all drills and meet with the small groups in a huddle. He also helped facilitate a drill with Florida’s team managers, where he stayed mostly stationary but was involved on the court during a drill for the defense.
WATCH: Handlogten drains three pointer in warmups
– It was another quiet day for freshman Urban Klavzar, who seems to still be adjusting to the speed of the SEC. Klavzar’s talent is unquestionable, however, as seen by a silky-smooth fade away jumper he drilled during Florida’s practice. Defense still appears to be a question mark for Klavzar, as Walter Clayton had his way with him for the majority of practice.
– 7’9 center Olivier Rioux didn’t participate in very many team or transition drills during practice. Rioux is expected to redshirt at this point.
– Florida’s projected starting five based on the scrimmage at the end of practice is as follows: Clayton, Martin, Richard, Condon, Chinyelu.