Game 1: University of North Florida Ospreys (0-0, 0-0 Atlantic Sun) at #10 University of Florida Gators (0-0, 0-0 SEC)
Stephen C. O'Connell Center (capacity: 11,548), Gainesville, Florida 3:00 p.m.
Another college basketball season is upon us. The Gators played one exhibition game, last Friday against Florida Southern (won 110-88). Ranked 10th in the AP Poll, Florida opens with the University of North Florida. The Gators have been highly overranked to begin the season, in my opinion. There is so much uncertainty surrounding this team that, as fans, we might need to be patient over the first month or so as the the roster gets back to 100%. Senior point guard Scottie Wilbekin, who was suspended indefinitely in the offseason for a violation of team rules (was suspended for same violation last season), did not play in the exhibition game and there is no timetable for his return. Two transfers are also suspended indefinitely: redshirt junior center Damontre Harris and redshirt sophomore guard/forward Dorian Finney Smith. In addition, senior forward Will Yeguete (offseason knee surgery) and junior transfer Eli Carter (broken leg last season at Rutgers) are still not at full strength, but have been practicing. Freshman point guard Kasey Hill has been dealing with back issues this week, but will play today. To make matters worse, sophomore guard Michael Frazier has been dealing with mono and he hasn't practiced except for non-contact drills in recent practices. Fortunately, he will be available to play today but I'm not sure how much action he'll see considering his limited practice time and recovery from the illness. Assuming Frazier dresses, the Gators will have 10 active players (three suspended players) for this afternoon's contest.
In the news conference yesterday, senior center (and likely team captain) Patric Young said that he's continuing to work on his free throws (55% shooter over his career). He made seven out of ten in the exhibition game and his form looked more natural and free-flowing. Young has also slimmed down ten pounds which will hopefully help with his stamina. Bringing a consistent energy and intensity level has always been a struggle for him, and we've all seen the differences when he's playing at a high level and so-so level. He can be a complete game-changer depending on which Patric Young shows up.
Sophomore guard/forward DeVon Walker has improved his shooting dramatically during the offseason. Head coach Billy Donovan sees him contributing as a member of the perimeter rotation. Donovan actually gave him the option of redshirting, but Walker trusted Donovan that there would be minutes available if he kept playing well. Due to the injuries/suspensions, Walker will find himself in the starting lineup today. He only made one out of five 3-pointers in the exhibition game, but don't expect that to be the norm after all the reports from Walker and his teammates regarding his improved shooting.
Projected Florida starting lineup for this afternoon's game:
#0 Kasey Hill (6'1", 181 lbs. FR)
#25 DeVon Walker (6'6", 195 lbs. SO)
#24 Casey Prather (6'6", 212 lbs. SR)
#15 Will Yeguete (6'8", 230 lbs. SR)
#4 Patric Young (6'9", 240 lbs. SR)
Broadcast Information
TV: Sun Sports; Larry Vettel (play-by-play) and Mark Wise (analyst)
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network; Mick Hubert (play-by-play) and Bill Koss (analyst)
Streaming: ESPN3.com
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