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The Florida Gators are looking to shake off the demons from last year. After going home in the NCAA March Madness round of 32, this year will have a focus on revenge for head coach Mike White.
How the Team’s Looking
Many questions surround the team heading into this season following the loss of Chris Chiozza and Egor Koulechov. Following the 2018 NBA Draft, both stars are on their way to the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively, in the Summer League.
Gainesville 🛫 DC@Chiozza11@drob7nson @RealDealBeal23 #GatorsAlways @WashWizards pic.twitter.com/HHN2j3GDZS
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) June 22, 2018
Gainesville 🛫 Minnesota@RussianGusta is headed to play in the #NBA summer league. #GatorsAlways pic.twitter.com/hwgNUDCugK
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) June 23, 2018
With the two players gone, White is eager to welcome in the new crop of Gators to town. White is also happy with the academic progress and health of the team overall in the first half of summer.
The Gators would finish the season with a 21-13 record overall, and 11-7 in the SEC. The team also looked impressive at home, boasting a 12-5 record in the O’Connell Center. A big part of the team’s success would come from guard Jalen Hudson. Hudson averaged 15.5 points-per-game and 3.9 rebounds-per-game and made headlines earlier in the summer.
Super excited to be back apart of Gator Nation. This last year is going to be special. Thanks for the unwavering support. Go Gators! 🐊
— Jalen Hudson (@JalenHudson5) May 30, 2018
Hudson would announce that he is returning to Florida after withdrawing his name from the 2018 NBA Draft. White said that while he does not know where the players would have been drafted and when, he believes that Hudson is ready to make noise in this upcoming basketball season.
Hudson’s return is a big factor that will come into play for Florida, but White has an even bigger hope for the offseason: Staying healthy. White admits that he has a small amount of trepidation every time there is physical contact on the court to get the ball for a big play.
Despite two of the foundations going off to the NBA to pursue their professional careers, the status of the team remains optimistic. White and the team will be looking to put Florida Gators men’s basketball right back on the map.
Season Starter Information
The 2018-2019 basketball season will open up for Florida against an old foe.
For the first time in 18 years, it's the 🐊 vs. the 🍢 on opening night. https://t.co/ePCIlBBFlW pic.twitter.com/ZwLt78jpRj
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) June 20, 2018
The Gators will battle the Florida State Seminoles at Tallahassee on Nov. 6, with a time coming soon. Finally, for more on the upcoming season, stick with ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF as more news develops.
