2011 CBB Predictions & Gambling Preview: Florida Gators (SEC)
I was higher than most on Florida heading into last year. I liked that they returned all five starters and the Gators had a strong season all the way into the NCAA tournament.
There is some of that experience returning this year but really it is a totally different team, featuring the best group of guards in the country.
Their style of play should be a lot different than what we have seen in the past.
Most of those guards are experienced so I think this is a team that will compete well in the SEC and on some nights look like a championship contender. If Patric Young can be everything – scorer, rebounder, intimidator than this team should be able to be in a fight with any team across the country. I like this team a lot again.
Additions
Brad Beal – A top recruit at combo guard provides a legit scoring threat.
Mike Rosario – Another scoring threat in the backcourt, transferred from Rutgers and sat out last year.
Subtractions
Chandler Parsons
Alex Tyus
Vernon Maclin [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Key Players
Kenny Boynton – Volume shooter who sometimes tries to do too much.
Erving Walker – They call him a point guard but he is more of a scorer.
Patric Young – With most of the frontcourt production gone he will have to live up to prep expectations.
Strengths
Quite possibly the best and certainly the deepest backcourt in the nation. They have 4 scorers back there and amazing quickness to hopefully they will apply some on the ball pressure on defense.
It will be interesting to see how coach Billy Donovan works in the newcomers and if they will play more of a three guard alignment most of the time.
Weaknesses
There is not a lot of size or experience up front. Patric Young showed last year and over the summer that he can be a real load to handle but in games where he is off or in foul trouble they are going to need to get some production from freshmen Cody Larson and Walter Pritchard.
Without it they are going to have a tough time with the other top teams in the SEC and across the nation.
Post Season
With the guard play they can expect this team could be ready for a deep run. I like their chances all the way to the Sweet Sixteen, then it is up to matchups.
Championship Odds
25/1
Projected wins 26
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