Her players, Mike White, Mary Wise and other prominent Gators voiced their support for Finley via social media after Monday’s announcement.
With Florida’s SEC Tournament play beginning Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee, take a look back at some of the crucial moments from the team’s historic run.
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.
The long-awaited announcement is here. Athletic director Scott Stricklin has named Kelly Rae Finley Florida women’s basketball’s permanent head coach, removing the interim tag after an impressive year.
Florida fans tried to storm the court following their victory over Auburn. It went horribly wrong. The failed court storming was representative of a bigger issue about where Florida basketball stands.
Sophomore Jordyn Merritt dropped 23 points in Florida’s 78-73 loss to Missouri. The final regular-season game for the Gators also saw four seniors receive recognition before game time.
Phlandrous Fleming Jr. scored a season high 27 points in his hometown of Athens, Georgia on Saturday to sweep the season series against the Bulldogs.
Florida turned the ball over 28 times in a loss to Vanderbilt Thursday night. Kelly Rae Finley was still all smiles after, saying they’ll use the ugly loss for fuel creeping into March.
“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.
A tough shooting night from the Gators at the free-throw line resulted in their first road loss in SEC play, as the Tigers captured a 66-61 victory.
Tyree Appleby and Colin Castleton were in agreement post-game, describing the feeling of defeating No. 2 Auburn, the highest-ranked opponent Florida has beaten at home. "Amazing,” Appleby said. “In one word, amazing.”
Nestled inside the walls of the Gators basketball practice facility, things begin to warm up on the night of Feb. 8. Clad in various Gator gear, five equipment managers from the UF men’s and women’s basketball teams conduct their pregame warmup. The student managers typically dedicate their time to UF class or serving the needs of their teams. A night like this is their time to take over the court.
Emanuely de Oliveira shined with 15 points as No. 17 Florida survived Arkansas for their 20th win. She’s excited to play a part in Florida’s surprise of a comeback season. “That’s what we looked forward [to] since I got here,” Oliveira said.
Forward Colin Castleton recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds as they slip to Texas A&M. “I hate to lose. It really drives me crazy. Like I really didn't care what I was doing. There's a lot of things I could have done better."
“I’ve been asked a few times what’s the difference. Kelly Rae Finley is the difference.” Georgia coaches don’t say that about Florida peers often, but that’s what Joni Taylor said about the Gators’ run through the SEC this year. She’s not alone.
“I was really pleased with our ability to learn throughout this game, to make adjustments and to play on the road in a heated environment,” interim head coach Kelly Rae Finley said.
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.
No. 19 Florida looked a little shaky in their first game as a ranked team in over 5 years.
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.
Solutions by The State News
