ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The Gator men’s basketball team has been gearing up for the start of the 2012-2013 season. Florida is ranked 10th in preseason for both the AP and USA Today Coaches polls. The Gators open their season with an exhibition game against Nebraska-Kearney in the O’Dome this Thursday, Nov. 1.
Gator head coach Billy Donovan has named his starters, at least for this game. He will go with a three guard lineup of Scottie Wilbekin at point guard and Kenny Boynton at shooting guard. They will be using a three guard offense with Mike Rosario as the third guard. Patric Young will be the starting center and Erik Murphy appears to have the power forward job.
Rosario got the wrath of Donovan’s harsh encouragement during the off season, where he was told he needed to step up his game.
Taking his advice seriously, Rosario worked hard enough to earn the start for this Thursday. He has good chemistry with the other two starting guards but Donovan says Rosario still has things to work on.
With Rosario at guard, Donovan has options coming off the bench especially with returning veterans like Casey Prather. The depth of the roster gives Coach Donovan the option to place Prather on the court against opponents with more size.
There will also be times when Donovan will put junior Will Yeguete into the mix. Yeguete will get his minutes inside and brings a strong defensive presence. Before a season ending injury to his left foot late in the 2011-2012 season, Yeguete had 163 rebounds.
You can listen to live to Thursday’s exhibition game live on ESPN 850/900 beginning at 6:50pm. The Gators begin the regular season on November 9th against the Georgetown Hoyas with the game to be held in Jacksonville in the Navy-Marine Corps Classic at Naval Station Mayport and they will play aboard the USS Bataan. The game is set to begin at 9pm.
