It seems the hangover from a disappointing 2008 season has given way to optimism.
As UF coach Billy Donovan addressed the media for the first time Wednesday, change was the theme of the day.
After starting the 2008 season 13-1, the Gators struggled down the stretch, finishing 24-12 and failing to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
"We were a group last year that had a level of confidence that was unwarranted," Donovan said. "I think that getting out to the start that we did last year probably played into them not handling success well."
Donovan hopes last season's failures will motivate a, now, more humble squad.
"Last year's group did not really have an understanding of what it's all about," he said. "I'm hopeful that they learned from last year in a way that will serve them well this season."
One player that will go a long way in helping the Gators rectify last season's failures is reigning Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year Nick Calathes.
The sophomore averaged 15.3 points a game last season and was one of the few bright spots for UF.
"We definitely didn't have a good season last year," Calathes said. "We didn't have much leadership."
That's where Calathes is hoping to help, as the sophomore said Donovan "looks to me like one of the leaders of this team."
For the sophomore and his teammates, missing the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year isn't an option.
"We know what it feels like to go to the NIT and have to sit home and watch March Madness," he said. "Not making it hurt us inside a little bit."
If Calathes is to become the leader of this young UF team, he has to get back on the court.
Calathes has not practiced the last three weeks due to a groin injury he suffered while participating in defensive drills shortly after returning from Greece, where he played for the Under-20 national team this summer.
The guard said he expects to return to practice Friday.
With Calathes, Walter Hodge, Jai Lucas and Dan Werner all returning starters, it would appear that the Gators will field a team that has the experience last year's team lacked.
But Donovan isn't so sure.
"Just because you're a year older doesn't make you a year better. I've never believed in that," Donovan said. "We could have some sophomores that are really still freshman."
A talented group of newcomers could help.
With six true freshmen and junior Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin on campus, UF now has something that it went all of last season without - depth.
"There is a lot more competition out there," Donovan said.
With only nine scholarship players on the roster last year, the Gators struggled to generate the kind of competitive environment in practice that Donovan had hoped for.
"It's not like coach could kick someone out of practice," Calathes said. "What were we going to do, play four on five?"
Donovan said the lack of competition in practice is one of the factors that eventually led to losses.
But with young players competing for playing time at every position - and potentially winning playing time against veterans - lack of effort at practice should no longer be a factor.
"Sometimes guys aren't as motivated until they are in a position where someone lines up across from them in a position to take something away from them," Donovan said.
Freshman point guard Erving Walker said he and the other freshmen have already started giving the rest of the team something to think about. And maybe something to compete for.
"Last year, they couldn't really go all out every day, but now that we have 13 scholarship players, everybody's going at each other - competing real hard," Walker said.
