Hard to say how it all plays out. Lots of variables. Will Condon take the next step offensively? Will Haugh become a legitimate 3? How will Lee adapt to athleticism and physicality of SEC guards (on both ends)? Can Fland be a more efficient scorer off the bounce? Will Klavzar defend well enough to merit keeping him on the court longer? Are either (or both) of the freshmen ready to contribute? Our ceiling is very high with this unit, and Condon returning really raised our floor. The SEC won't be anywhere near as loaded and competitive as last season. Conversely, our non-conference slate should take a major step up. I agree with whoever said this will be an elite offense. Offensive rebounding, high usage rate guards who can create their own shots, and high possession volume due to transition/early offense has worked very well the last two years, and this roster is set up perfectly for it again. I bet we run more of our ball continuity action than last season because we have two effective PnR handlers now, but the passing of our bigs means we can still execute plenty of the zoom and dribble handoff actions out of our horns sets. Defensive is where things get interesting. We lose three terrific perimeter defenders in Martin, Aberdeen, and Richard. Fland is in the ballpark with them, but is younger and not as strong or physical. I don't see why we would go away from our switching. Maybe more drop coverage, trusting our bigs to stay in front of drivers and context? Golden hasn't been a big blitz, trap, or hard hedge guy. We'll see. Regardless, this is a talented, balanced, and deep team that is constructed in a very complementary way. We've got bigs with serious length who can protect the rim, rebound the ball, and pass. We have two high volume guards who can both play on or off the ball. We have numerous shot creators, and we can surround them with shooters at the 2-4. We can play big with Condon at the 4 and Haugh at the 3 or less big (but never small!) with those guys at the 5 and 4. We should be able to get up tempo with Fland, score late in the lock with Lee, run five out stuff, four out stuff, and three out stuff. I don't see us being a UConn or UNC group from a year ago. Top 10 offense, top 30 or so defense, and we can easily be a top 10 team and get a 2 seed. But the more tangible goals are what Golden says they always are: compete in the SEC, make a run in the SECT, and make the second weekend in March. This roster has put us in a good spot for that.
Should we go b to b, that would be 4 bb championships. Who would ever believe UF would become a bb school. Can't wait for BB season to start.
I never place any expectation on postseason success -- too much randomness. However, it would be great to win an SEC regular season championship. Haven't won one since the perfect season in 2013-2014. That strikes me as a reasonable thing to hope for, considering the strength of the roster going into next season.
Before the season, there was a lot of whining that we didn't have a true point guard. This preseason, the whining will be that we're starting two true point guards.
Not at all! Gators are a tournament lock. If the Gators don't get the UNC/Duke special treatment and get sent across the country again, you can always sell your seats.
Yeah, we could be awesome all season and still have a bad game, foul trouble, injuries, whatever, and lose in the first round. HOWEVER...we are already positioned as much as any team in the land to be at least a second-weekend team.
The thing that remain to be seen is whether or not our new talented guards can gel into a high performing, cohesive unit like last year's group. No doubt the skill and depth are there, but can they become a real team? If so, barring the injury bug, they can win it all again.
So happy that not only is this team going to be good again but it's sooo nice to see the continuity and familiar faces. We're one of the few P5 teams that gets to watch these kids develop year after year. Our front-court is going to be a FORCE next year. Can't wait to see how Chins, Hands, Hawk and Condor develop. No more TTUs pushing us around down low - just bring in Oli if we need to build a wall to the basket.
Our big 4 PLUS Rioux and Mikic...that's a front-court averaging 7'1. Can't imagine you'd find any team in the world with a taller front-court, college or pro
yes the only concern I have is guard defense. Are we long and tough enough to defend taller and stronger guards. Alternatively, our guards are going to give team fits - so maybe it balances out...and I like our chances dominating the boards and limiting 2nd chance points
Thinking of something to celebrate Condos return I thought of the obvious combining everything Australia and the Gators and thought of this classic... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HMm_5-Ev6R8?feature=share
