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Kentucky fans could normally count on Florida’s basketball program to fight to the top of SEC standings. This season the Gators have disappointed with flaccid late-game performances. Most of this season’s pain was unrequested, but some choices by Billy Donovan and his staff have forced the Gators to submit to most opponents.
Before the season could start, Florida found itself with some gaping holes. Guard DeVon Walker tore an ACL. Guard Dillon Graham transfers because Freshman Brandone Francis would play over him; then Francis is declared academically ineligible for the season. Billy Donovan’s staff gets John Egbunu to transfer to Florida to take outgoing Damontre Harris’ scholarship. Egbunu isn’t granted a waiver by the NCAA to play this year and must sit out.
The loss of Egbunu helped contribute to Florida’s limp inside game this season. The Gators only had two players of considerable size (senior Jon Horford and sophomore Chris Walker) — neither have risen to the challenge of controlling the paint and rebounds. As a result, Florida is 237th in the nation in defensive rebounding this season.
Coined “Team Bad Luck” by alligatorarmy.com, some of the wounds of this season’s team were self-inflicted. Donovan and his staff either didn’t emphasize or missed out on recruiting post players. Chris Walker in 2013’s class was the only big man Florida has successfully recruited since landing Cody Larson, Will Yeguete and Patric Young in 2010’s class. When that hefty trio graduated last year — helping the Gators to an SEC Championship and Final Four appearance — the Gators coaching staff has elected instead to fill their need of bigs with transfers Horford and Harris.
Florida’s woes are not all about size. Backcourt play from the team has been undisciplined; a very uncharacteristic trait of a Billy Donovan team. Injuries and “violations of team rules” continue to shake the lineup. Michael Frazier II was the team’s leading scorer until he was sidelined indefinitely with an high ankle sprain.
WELP I SIGNED A CONTRACT NO GETTING OUT OF THIS I GUESS
In years past, Florida might have been able to stay competitive in the SEC with one arm tied behind its back. However this is the new era of SEC Basketball; Georgia, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and even lowly Missouri have all took turns slapping the Gators around this season.
Florida and Billy Donovan may as well enjoy the pain now. Though the SEC will be tougher next season, the Gators should be free of all injuries & suspensions and ready to resume their position near the top of the pile.
Previous This Year In SEC Articles:
* Three Underwhelming Kings (Tennessee, Auburn, South Carolina)
* Flying Tigers Grounded (Missouri)
* Pooper Scooper (Mississippi State)
