College Hoops Countdown | #23t Florida

Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

By Paul Gotham

’08 – ’09 Results: 25 – 11 (9 – 7 SEC). Lost to Penn State, 71 – 62, in the third round of the NIT.

Coach: Billy Donovan 310 – 126 in 13 seasons at Florida / 345 – 146 in 15 overall seasons.

Key Returners:

Kenny Kadji – 4.4ppg, 2.7rpg

Chandler Parsons – 9.2ppg, 5.7rpg

Alex Tyus – 12.5ppg, 6.2rpg

Erving Walker – 10.4ppg, 2.4apg

Dan Werner – 8.9ppg, 4.9rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/24 vs. Florida St., 11/27 vs. Michigan State, 12/10 vs. Syracuse, 1/3 at North Carolina State, 2/13 vs. Xavier.

Stat of Identity: 1.39 assist to turnover ratio – 9th in the country.

Billy Donovan could have grown jaded with winning. After all, the Florida Gators coach guided his squad to back-to-back titles not so long ago.  Since then, the Gators could have changed their name to Bazooka (think gum) because they have only known life on the bubble.

If he didn’t know before, Donovan learned last year how small the difference is between a win and a loss. Only once did Florida lose by double digits in ’08-’09. In fact, eight of Florida’s eleven losses were by six or fewer points.  The Gators have had time to lick their wounds.

Florida returns eight players who fought in those battles.

For Donovan and the Gators the recipe stays the same. Florida values the ball, always looks for the open man, and it’s bombs away from behind the arc.

The Gators led the SEC hitting 42% from behind the arc last season. The 294 trifectas made were second in school history only to the ’06 ‘-07 title team.  Erving Walker earned All-Sec Freshman honors leading the way hitting 42% from long range. Erving will take over point guard. Adam Allen returns after sitting out last year with a knee injury. Allen hit 43% from behind the arc as a freshman.

Alex Tyus led the Gators in rebounds and field goal percentage last year. Tyus should only improve as he slides into his more natural position at power forward.

Florida’s 1.4 assist to turnover ratio ranked seventh in the country. Their 12.1 turnovers per game ranked second in school history.

Kenny Kadji, Dan Werner, and Chandler Parsons give the Gators depth and a balanced attack. Freshman Kenny Boynton should make an instant impact.

Ray Shipman will help the back court.

With 13 years under his belt, Billy Donovan is now the dean of SEC coaches.