Horford, Chiozza close in on adding to UF’s basketball legacy
By Brandon Hernandez | June 13For former Florida players like Horford and Golden State guard Chris Chiozza, the Finals are a common stomping ground.
For former Florida players like Horford and Golden State guard Chris Chiozza, the Finals are a common stomping ground.
As he enters the spotlight as Florida basketballu2019s new head coach, Todd Golden is grateful to lead a program he's always been fond of.
Florida’s season came to an end Sunday in a 72-56 loss to Xavier. “This is a low, they need to learn from it and it’ll make them better,” interim head coach Al Pinkins said.
“That one was for him. Everything out there was for him,” said Colin Castleton following Florida’s first win under its new interim coach Al Pinkins. The Gators advanced to round two of the NIT Wednesday night.
Former Florida head coach Mike White has elected to step away from the Gators, taking the vacant head coaching position at the University of Georgia.
Florida HC Mike White gave a somber speech to the media after Thursday’s loss to Texas A&M, which bounced the Gators from the SEC Tournament and turned their tournament hopes to wash. “A two hour microcosm of the season,” White said. “Ups, downs. Leave everything out on the floor and come up just a little bit short.”
Florida’s SEC Tournament matchup Thursday will be a make-or-break game for the Gators’ Big Dance aspirations.
Kentucky's Oscar Thsiebwe dominated Florida to the tune of 27 points and 15 rebounds. This marks the second loss to the Wildcat's this season and leaves UF with work to do in the SEC Tournament.
With six seconds remaining, Phlandrous Fleming Jr. launched a three to put Florida ahead of Vanderbilt. “They called the play ‘home run,’” Fleming said. “I was wondering who would go and get it.” Fleming went and got it, and he hit it out of the park.
“We have to be desperate, we have to be urgent now,” said Florida forward Anthony Duruji following Tuesday night’s loss to No. 18 Arkansas. Colin Castleton set a new career-high in points, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Razorbacks.
Kentucky center Oscar Tshwiebe proved too much for Florida to handle in a 21-point loss to the Wildcats. “He’s probably the best rebounder I’ve ever played against.” Colin Castleton said.
Florida held strong against UGA despite the ‘Dawgs comeback effort in the closing minutes.
Florida stole an overtime win thanks to a Tyree Appleby double-double and return of Colin Castleton.
Florida senior Tyree Appleby was all positives after a huge performance in a 66-65 victory over Mizzou that went down to the wire on Wednesday night.
“Whatever Mike White said to his team at halftime was a lot better than what I said.” Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton gave praise to the Gators after Florida men’s hoops came back from being down 16 in the first half to grab the win. Jackson Castellano has more on Saturday.