Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
The Florida Gators might be the quietest top-five team ever in college basketball. Nobody is talking about the Gators at the moment, but the perennial tournament contenders will be in the spotlight when it matters most. Florida has become a basketball powerhouse under coach Billy Donovan and has become the flag bearer for the SEC over the past decade. The Gators have won two championships under Donovan and made it to the Elite Eight the past three seasons, but have not made it back to the championship since 2007. The Gators will surprise people come tournament time once again, but will this be the year the team returns to greatness?
The Gators continued their run toward another tournament bid with a 69-36 thrashing of the Texas A&M Aggies. The Gators held the Aggies to under 20 points in both halves and did not let a single Texas A&M player get into double digits. Florida’s defense is one of the best in the country, but the offense is more than capable of putting up points. The Gators currently have five players that average over 10 points a game and have Player of the Year candidate Casey Prather, who leads the team in scoring.
While other teams might have a higher ceiling, the Gators have been consistent year after year and are poised to make yet another deep run in the NCAA tournament. Florida is on a 13-game winning streak and are capable of running the table the rest of the way, so what is standing in the Gators’ way of reaching a national championship?
The Gators have imploded the past three seasons in the Elite Eight, but look to make amends this season when it comes time. Florida is consistent and talented which is what will make the Gators one of the favorites come tournament time.
Greg Douglas is a NCAA Basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @thegpd93 or add him to your Google Network.
