UF coach Billy Donovan shook up the starting lineup in the Gators' opening game of the National Invitation Tournament, giving freshman Erving Walker the nod over Chandler Parsons.
Both players scored in double figures, and Parsons registered just his second double-double of the season.
"Coming out of the SEC tournament, it was pretty obvious that Chandler could be playing a lot, and I was trying to help him a little bit," UF coach Billy Donovan said.
Parsons went for 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds against Jacksonville.
"Maybe being in a lot less pressure-, stress-related role is something he is a lot more comfortable with," Donovan said. "He did play well yesterday."
Parsons is averaging 9.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season and is shooting just 30 percent from 3-point range.
"I haven't been playing as well as I should be this year," he said.
Donovan said Walker will start again tonight at 7 when UF (24-10) takes on in-state rival Miami in the second round of the NIT.
The Hurricanes (19-12) are led by senior guard Jack McClinton, who is averaging 19.5 points per game this year and scored 25 against Providence on Wednesday.
"McClinton is a lot like (Kentucky guard) Jodie Meeks," Donovan said. "He's a great shooter. He can go for 30 or 40 on any given night."
The Hurricanes missed out on the NCAA Tournament despite wins against No. 16 FSU, No. 12 Wake Forest and Maryland.
"We're playing a team that was preseason in the top 10, top 15, that's in the (Atlantic Coast Conference) and has one of the best players in the country," Donovan said. "I think our guys will understand that."
Donovan said his decision to put Walker in the starting lineup had as much to do with what the point guard brings to the team off the court as on it.
"There's just a natural competitiveness and toughness that I see inside of him," Donovan said. "We need more of that."
Donovan said he hopes Walker can develop into the kind of leader his team has been missing.
"It's a little tougher as a freshman," Walker said. "You don't want to step on anyone's toes. It's a work in progress."
Walker has tried to ease into the new role by taking charge of the freshman class.
"There's a trust and a bond we can create," he said. "I feel like we can talk to each other about anything."
PARSONS PULLING FOR OKLAHOMA: While Parsons said he is going to have a hard time watching this year's NCAA Tournament, the sophomore will be cheering for Oklahoma.
"Blake Griffin's my boy. I talk to him almost every day," Parsons said. "He had a senior trip to Orlando (in high school), and he stayed at my house for like a week."
