After Florida’s roster has consisted of undersized options in the frontcourt the last two seasons the influx of size and versatility amongst the big man group was a central story around Florida basketball’s media day. Going into each of the last two seasons the frontcourt has been a topic of discussion but Coach White acknowledged that isn’t going to be the case this season. “The lack of weaknesses when you study our roster…with regard to the ability to throw it on the interior. The depth, the health… we’ve got those questions answered at least temporarily.”
Not only does Florida have multiple big bodies with Kerry Blackshear Jr., Omar Payne, Gorjok Gak, Dontay Bassett, Jason Jitoboh, and Keyontae Johnson playing up but they’ve got lots of different skillsets represented. “We’ve got some speed, quickness, size, length…on paper at least” White remarked.
With all the available options White has at his disposal he’ll have the opportunity to play in a lot of different ways, something he definitely plans on taking advantage of. “We don’t have a conventional 4 on the roster so we’re either going to play small or play big. I don’t think we’re going to play small for 40 minutes a game so I think we’re going to play bigger than we’ve ever played here. We’ll play the 4-guard lineup and then we’ll play 2 fives.”
The chance to play both small and quick and big and powerful all within the same game is going to be tough for opponents to match up with. When playing small it’s likely that Keyontae Johnson or Scottie Lewis will see minutes at the power forward spot and when it comes to playing big White teased one option that will help big lineups succeed. “I think with the skill level of KJ that makes it a little bit easier, I think you could consider him a 4-5 guy even at his size.”
The Gators are a team that has struggled in the paint on both sides of the floor recently when it comes to scoring, defense, and rebounding and the idea of having two bigs on the floor is exciting. Two of the players that are going to factor into the frontcourt are freshmen Omar Payne and Jason Jitoboh who were both talked about by White.
“Really different, both very talented, both have a ways to go.”
A lot of that, according to White, is going to start in the gym.
“Omar’s got to get a bit bigger, Jason’s got to get smaller.”
Getting your body right for SEC players is a challenge for anyone, especially frontcourt talents, so that shouldn’t come as any surprise. Their physical makeup isn’t a surprise for anyone but White also addressed their style of play starting with Jitoboh. “Jason’s a power guy but a skill guy at the same time. Really good feel for a big, strong five as a passer. He’s got good touch.”
He then followed with a comment on Payne.
“Omar Payne is extremely long for his height. I think he’s a +7 guy. Good motor and can really run and jump. Just very gifted athletically, improving his skill level.”
Considering they are both in the same class it’s good the two frontcourt mates have some diversity in size and skillset and it’s likely they’ll be playing a lot of games with each other moving forward. This notion is particularly exciting to Coach White.
“Those guys are going to be really good players here.”