Former UF Star Beal Reflects on Breakout 2012 NCAA Tourney Run

PHOENIX – Bradley Beal exited the Suns locker room Wednesday at PHX Arena with a smile on his face and a Gators T-shirt wrapped around his neck following the Phoenix’s win over the Chicago Bulls. The shirt features caricatures of many players on this year’s team alongside Florida head coach Todd Golden.

Even though it has been 13 years since Beal’s one-year run with the Gators, it is clear the impact the program and the university has had on him. 

Beal’s lone season with the Gators in 2011-12 was special. Even as a freshman, Beal was second on the team in scoring (14.8 points per game) and led the Gators in rebounds (6.7) and steals (1.4).

But it was the 2012 NCAA Tournament where the 6-foot-3 guard truly emerged on the national stage, helping lead Florida to the Elite Eight and showing talent beyond his years.

“The tournament’s definitely one of the most fun environments to be in,” Beal said, reflecting on his time leading Florida during its deep run in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

The Gators entered the NCAA Tournament with some momentum after coming off a strong showing in the SEC tournament, where they made it to the semifinals. 

After beating Virginia to open the NCAA tourney and then Norfolk State in the second round, the seventh-seeded Gators then upset No. 3 seed Marquette in Phoenix in the West Region semifinals. That was Beal’s breakout game in the tournament; he had 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks to send UF to the Elite Eight. 

Beal described how Florida’s chemistry in 2012 reached its peak just when it mattered most. 

“The team that we had, specifically, we meshed really well together,” he explained.

The Gators ultimately fell against Louisville, ending their season one step short of the Final Four. But postseason run remains a highlight of Beal’s career and his time at UF. 

“It was just great memories,” Beal said.  “It was just fun, electrifying and challenging.

“You played some of your best basketball in those moments.”

Beal declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman season at just 19 years old, and he was selected by the Washington Wizards with the No. 3 overall pick. He’s gone on to have a stellar NBA career. Beal has averaged 21.6 points per game over the course of his 13 NBA seasons.

After spending the first 11 seasons in Washington, Beal was traded to Phoenix in 2023. He’s spent the past two seasons with the Suns. Currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, Beal is averaging 17.3 points per game.

But Beal said he still missed Gainesville, and one day opens to return to finish his degree.

The tournament can be overwhelming, especially as a freshman experiencing it for the first time. On the eve of Florida’s opening game in the NCAA tournament, he gave advice to the current Gators team as they enter the postseason tournament.

“Just enjoy being in the moment,” Beal said. “Stay focused, stay poised, nothing changes from what got them to that point just keep going and stay together.”