Preview- Exhibition: Nebraska-Kearney

Exhibition Game: Nebraska-Kearney at #10 Florida (7:00 pm)
Stephen C. O'Connell Center, Gainesville, FL

Broadcast Information
TV: Gatorvision
Radio: WRUF-AM; Steve Russell and Mark Wise on the call

Head Coaches
Nebraska-Kearney: Tom Kropp, co-head coach (441-203 overall, 23rd season at UNK) and Kevin Lofton, co-head coach (116-83 overall, 8th season at UNK)
University of Florida: Billy Donovan (386-158, 17th season at Florida; 421-158 overall, 19th season)

Probable Starters
Nebraska-Kearney:

Akeem Morissaint (5'10" SR) Last season's stats: 4.2 ppg
Jon Henderson (6'4" SR) Last season's stats: 12.1 ppg
Pierre Newton (6'4" SO) Last season's stats: DNP
Tyler Shields (6'4" SO) Last season's stats: 5.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Mike Dentlinger (6'6" JR) Last season's stats: 14.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg

University of Florida:

Scottie Wilbekin (6'2" JR) Last season's stats: 2.6 ppg, 1.6 apg
Kenny Boynton (6'2" SR) Last season's stats: 15.9 ppg, 2.7 apg
Mike Rosario (6'3" RS-SR) Last season's stats: 6.6 ppg
Erik Murphy (6'10" SR) Last season's stats: 10.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Patric Young (6'9" JR) Last season's stats: 10.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg

Preview

Well, another season of Gator basketball is upon us.  I believe a lot of us remember the disastrous end to last season, a collapse against fourth-seeded Louisville in the Elite Eight.  The Gators were up by 11 points with five minutes remaining (much like the Elite Eight game versus Butler in 2010, in which the Gators lost in overtime).  It was one of the toughest losses in school history, especially considering the fact that the same scenario had occurred the previous season.  While Louisville went on to lose to eventual National Champion Kentucky in the Final Four, it was not any consolidation for a dejected Gator squad.  It was an unbelievably tough loss to accept, but the Gators will, undoubtedly, use their experiences from the last two seasons as motivation to try to get over the hump and book their place in Atlanta for the 2013 Final Four.

Gone from last year's team are Erving Walker, Bradley Beal, Cody Larson, and Walter Pitchford.  Walker, the school's all-time leader in assists and minutes, second  all-time in threes made and attempted, and fourth all-time scorer, graduated after a career in which many fans, or coaches, thought would never translate into such a record-setting four years.  Beal, the third-pick in this year's NBA Draft to the Washington Wizards, would've won SEC and NCAA Freshman of the Year any other year, but Kentucky's Anthony Davis took home both honors.  Beal was second on the team in scoring, but led the team in rebounding at only 6'3".  He was the highest-profile recruit in school history, a testament to Coach Donovan's reputation and outstanding qualities as a coach and individual.  Beal made plays with ease, whether it was catching-and-shooting from 30+ feet, or driving baseline for a dunk, it was a joy to watch.

Both Walker and Beal will be extremely tough to replace in this year's lineup but, if everyone elevates their game, the production from last year will not disappear.

Cody Larson, who was a key member of the rotation when the big men got into foul trouble, struggled with his offense and lost playing time because of it.  According to Donovan, he was showing significant improvement in the pre-season individual workouts and looked to have turned a corner in his personal life.  However, last week, Larson informed Donovan that he was leaving the team, wanting to focus on academics and getting his personal life in order.  It was a surprising decision, and it leaves UF with one body in an already thin front court.  We certainly wish Cody the best and hopefully he can continue playing basketball in the future.

Walter Pitchford, a seldom-used freshman last season, transferred to Nebraka over the summer, due to the health of a family member.  Pitchford (6'10") was viewed as a project, but may have been able to carve out a role on this year's squad due to his ability to play inside-out.  Nebraska's coach Tim Miles is getting a raw talent who could end up becoming a solid player in the Big 10 as his body continues to mature and he gets more experience.

Now to tonight's game versus Nebraska-Kearney.  As with many exhibition games, there is not much information on the opponent, besides film and stats.  As is the case with most Division II teams, height will be an issue versus the Gators.  The tallest player in their projected starting lineup is 6'6".  I'm sure the Gators will be feeding the ball inside for the full 40 minutes.

Injury News:
Casey Prather suffered a concussion in the scrimmage versus Rollins College on Saturday and will sit out tonight's game.

What I'm wondering:  
1. How will Scottie Wilbekin react to being the starting point guard?
2. Which freshman will step up and impress Coach Donovan?
3. How much playing time will Jacob Kurtz (walk-on) get?
4. How will Calvary Christian grad Akeem Morissaint play in the O'Dome tonight? (Kenny Boynton may know him from high school hoops in Broward County)

Final score prediction: Florida 84 - UNK 51