2008 Florida Basketball Predictions & Season Preview
Written October 17, 2008 by Luke Knight
Billy Donovan led the Florida Gators to a 24-12 overall record and an 8-8 record in the SEC, which was not good enough for an NCAA bid, but the team made it to the semifinals of the NIT before losing to UMass. After consecutive national championship seasons, Florida’s 2007-2008 team broke a streak of nine straight NCAA Tournament appearances with a collapse down the stretch where the Gators lost 8 of 11 games before the NIT run. Florida saw Marreese Speights, who averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds last season, depart for the NBA. The Gators saw the emergence of freshman Nick Calthes last season who averaged 15.3 points a game, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Florida has plenty of talent returning as well as some incoming freshman that they will have to rely on and the college basketball odds makers think this team can win the conference title. Check out BetUS where Florida is at +150 odds to win the SEC East.
Florida will be young at the post position with Speights leaving, so a lot will depend on how well true freshmen Eloy Vargas and Kenny Kadji, both 6’10”, emerge this season. Junior Dan Werner, a 6’7” power forward, averaged 9.1 points and 6.4 rebounds last season and can hit the 3-pointer. Chandler Parsons, a sophomore, also showed glimpses of promise with thunderous dunks and long 3-point shots. Parsons needs to be stronger to give Florida more of a rebounding presence. Sophomore Alex Tyus, a 6’8” sophomore, was the backup center as a true freshman last season and has the wingspan that could allow him to blossom. Incoming freshman Allan Chaney should also compete for playing time. While Florida will miss Speights, who led the team in rebounding, the Gators will have more options in the frontcourt this season, and could be stronger if these young guys emerge.
Nick Calathes led Florida in scoring last year and should only get better this season. He will lead this team in the backcourt. He is the best passer on the team and is versatile enough to play a number of positions, but he needs to improve his decision-making. Calathes is being projected as a potential first-round draft pick. Walter Hodge, the team’s lone senior, was a part of Florida’s two national titles and averaged 10.4 points just a season ago. Hodge has the speed to blow past defenders, but is also a solid 3-point shooter. Jai Lucas, a combo guard, started 35 games last season, giving Florida experience in the perimeter. Lucas and Calathes both need to get stronger to really take their games to the next level. Freshman Ray Shipman, a scoring machine who finds a way to get to the basket and has an explosive first step, could have the biggest impact as a freshman swingman. Erving Walker, a 5’8” incoming freshman, will also push for playing time. He is a good defender and doesn’t turn the ball over.
Final Analysis
Billy Donovan has a better team this season than he did last year, despite the fact that they are young. The returners have last season’s disappointing failure to make the NCAA Tournament hanging over them, which should motivate them. Donovan is a top-notch coach, so it would be a surprise to see his incoming players not emerge this season. His returners must understand that basketball isn’t just about making shots and with Billy Donovan teaching them, the concept shouldn’t be too hard to grasp. We have the Gators competing for the top spot in the SEC East and we fully expect them to return to the NCAA Tournament this year. They will be a tough, young team to play in March. Head over to BetUS where the Florida Gators are +3500 odds to win the NCAA Tournament this season.
If you want help with your basketball betting this winter then you should think about signing up for the expert NCAA basketball picks available at this site.
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