Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Team USA coach Gregg Popovich faces a tough challenge at the 2019 FIBA World Cup with so many star players set to miss the tournament.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

NBA stars need to recognize the importance of Team USA

By Jack Braverman | Aug. 7, 2019

It’s bigger than basketball.

Linebacker Jeremiah Moon (7) recorded 31 tackles in 13 games last year. He figures to play a more important role this year.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Position-by-Position: Evaluating Florida's linebackers

By Evan Lepak | Aug. 7, 2019

The group that raises the most question marks on the defensive side of the ball for UF is the one that usually brings the most stability to a defense.

UF defensive back John Huggins did not play in five games last year after he was accused of choking a tutor. Huggins has been absent from fall camp as well.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF football player was accused of choking woman last year

By Sam Campisano | Aug. 7, 2019

Sophomore UF defensive back John Huggins was accused of choking a female tutor in October, according to a UPD report uncovered this week by the Tampa Bay Times.

Kicker Evan McPherson was a major contributor to the Gators' offense last season, netting a team-high 101 points and only missing two field goals.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

An ode to UF's special teams

By River Wells | Aug. 5, 2019

Gators coach Dan Mullen always makes a big point to emphasize special teams. They eat first at meals, and Mullen has also been known to hand scholarships to walk-on contributors on special teams.

Trinity Thomas won six SEC Freshman of the Week awards and three SEC Gymnast of the Week awards during her freshman campaign at UF.

SPORTS

Alligator Awards: UF Freshman of the Year

By Dylan O'Shea and Bryan Matamoros | Aug. 5, 2019

Freshmen have everything to prove.

The Houston Astros added All-Star pitchers Zack Greinke and Aaron Sanchez at the trade deadline, adding to an already impressive third-best team ERA in MLB.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

The Houston Astros won the World Series in July

By Sam Campisano | Aug. 5, 2019

While the rest of baseball slept through Wednesday’s trade deadline, Astros GM Jeff Luhnow was busy locking up his team’s second championship in three years.

Ryan Lochte competes in the Men’s 200-meter individual medley time trial at the U.S national swimming championships in Stanford, California, Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Gators win 10 medals at Phillips 66 National Championships

By Joseph Salvador | Aug. 5, 2019

Florida was not short of representation at the 2019 Phillips 66 National Championships in Stanford, California, this week. The five-day event had 26 current Gators competing, along with six UF alumni. Current and former UF athletes collected 10 medals in total from Wednesday to Sunday.

Center Nick Buchanan (66) is the sole returning starter on UF's offensive line, which gave up just 18 sacks in 13 games last year.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Position-by-Position: Evaluating UF’s offensive line

By Bryan Matamoros | July 31, 2019

One of the oldest maxims in football has to do with perhaps the most underappreciated players on the field: the offensive linemen.

Michael Thomas' 2018 campaign, which included 125 receptions, 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns, earned him a $100 million contract extension with the Saints.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

NFL players deserve every cent

By River Wells | July 31, 2019

You may have heard the news by now.

Amanda Lorenz, who was All-SEC four times in college, was drafted second overall in the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch Draft – one spot behind UF teammate Kelly Barnhill.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

2020: Tim Walton’s greatest challenge

By Jack Braverman | July 31, 2019

Florida softball coach Tim Walton has had it made since the moment he arrived in Gainesville.

Florida running back Lamical Perine said that the Gators are “for sure” a College Football Playoff team at UF’s media day on Thursday. Perine rushed for 826 yards and seven touchdowns last season as UF won 10 games and a New Year’s Six bowl.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Biggest takeaways from media day

By Sam Campisano | July 30, 2019

Optimism was abounded at UF football media day on Thursday.

Pete Alonso leads all rookies with 34 home runs and 77 RBIs.

SPORTS

Alligator Awards: Pro of the Year

By River Wells | July 29, 2019

Many college athletes have achieved greatness in Gainesville. Far fewer have taken the next step to the pros, and even fewer have stood out among the crowd once they make it to the highest level of their sport.

Former Gator Caeleb Dressel set a FINA World Championships record with eight medals (including six gold) last week. He also set a world record time of 49.50 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Former Gator Caeleb Dressel sets records at World Championships

By Dylan O'Shea | July 29, 2019

Eight medals in eight days.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Biggest takeaways from media day

By Sam Campisano | July 29, 2019

Optimism was abounded at UF football media day on Thursday.

Duarte Vale had a breakout year in 2019, going 15-1 in dual singles play.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

From benchwarmer to hero: Duarte Vale’s comeback

By Noah Ram | July 29, 2019

Florida had been in this situation before.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Position-by-Position: Evaluating UF’s defensive line

By River Wells | July 24, 2019

Florida isn’t just known for its secondary.

Third-round draft pick Jachai Polite will make his professional debut with the New York Jets on Aug. 8.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Preseason edition

By Joseph Salvador | July 24, 2019

The NFL returns Aug. 1 with the Hall of Fame Game, which means training camp is right around the corner. It’s the perfect time for draft picks and players on the bubble to prove themselves. Here are some former Gators to look out for as NFL training camps get underway:

Pete Alonso, one of the few bright spots of this Mets season, looks down in frustration after striking out earlier this month.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

The agony of being a Mets fan (and why I am one)

By Sam Campisano | July 24, 2019

The cruelest thing my parents ever did was take me to Shea Stadium. Child services should’ve taken me away right there.

Defensive back CJ Henderson was one of two Gators selected to the Preseason All-SEC First Team. Henderson registered 38 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions last year.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

SEC Media Days: Where things stand for the Gators

By Sam Campisano | July 22, 2019

In case you needed any more proof that expectations are higher for coach Dan Mullen’s UF football team this year, here you go:

Head Coach Dan Mullen, of Florida, speaks during the NCAA college football Southeastern Conference Media Days, Monday, July 15, 2019, in Hoover, Ala.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Don’t underestimate Miami

By River Wells | July 22, 2019

Seven points.