Florida wing Riley Kugel, who spent time considering his NBA future this offseason, announced Tuesday that he will return to the program in 2023-24, a significant development for the program as it attempts to rebuild after a 16-17 inaugural season under the direction of head coach Todd Golden. Named to the SEC's All-Freshman team, Kugel recorded eight-consecutive double-figure scoring games at the end of the regular season– the longest streak in SEC play for a Florida freshman since Bradley Beal accomplished the feat in ten-straight games during the 2011-12 season. Over Florida's last eight contests of the campaign, Kugel averaged 18.3 points and scored more than 20 points in three of the Gators' last four games. Ranked No. 11 in the state of Florida on the independent 247Sports rankings, Kugel became the first top-15 prospect from the state to commit to the Gators since Tre Mann (No. 3) and Omar Payne (No. 9) in 2019, which also marked the last time the Gators secured a commitment from an in-state high schooler other than 2022 prospect Denzel Aberdeen, a three-star guard. Just like when Castleton came back, this marks the beginning of a potentially great season!!!
Still need to rebuild an awful lot around him, but this is a huge stepping stone, for sure. Easily Golden's top recruit so far.
Finally some good news around here. Thanks. Go gettem' Riley! Would be interesting know if any other teams went after him and what they offered if anything.
This is the first major piece we needed to fall into place. Great to have him back! He'll be one of the top players in the SEC this coming season. An official list? Nah. Here's the unofficial list, as I make it out. Subject to change. Mileage may vary. Returning: Kugel G 6'-5" Richard G 6'-4" Fudge F 6'-9" Shimmy F/C 6'-10" Aberdeen PG 6'-5" Klatsky PG 6'-4" May G 6'-4" Incoming: Jarvis F/C 6'-8" Haugh C/F 6'-9" Congdon C/F 6'-11" Just 8 scholarship guys, so obviously we'll be bringing in more. I expect at least 2 more. Got some good height with the newbies, but only one with college experience. Shimmy displayed a good shooting form and solid rebounding capability in his limited time this season. I expect a solid sophomore jump from him, but maybe not into the starting five. I think we bring in a solid big with experience through the portal. Plus a speedster point guard that can make threes and free throws at a high percentage.
BTW, Thomas Haugh's Perkiomen HS won the state championship this season, and looks like he put up some big numbers along the way. He might be a bigger contributor this season than I expected. Needs to hit the Gator weight room early though.
Million $ question about coach has been about his ability to recruit. At this point, he's recruited three major players during a relatively short period of time: 1) Castleton 2) Kugel (incoming) and 3) Kugel (retain for year 2). This assumes that the announcement comes to fruition, but I can't imagine much better news pertaining to next year's roster.
I also like Condon a lot. I found parts of 3 of his games on YouTube, and he can play. He and Haugh are both high IQ, extremely unselfish players who can move their feet on defense, pass the ball very well and shoot the 3. I can’t say how they will do as freshmen, but I expect them both to be very solid college players.
Love to get this guy. 7' 1" 227 center. Handlogten averaged 7.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game this season for Marshall. He was awarded the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year for his efforts. SEC programs are locking in on Marshall transfer Micah Handlogten
I was looking at his highlights last night, he is a solid post guy. Rebounds, passes, can shoot and is decent around the rim. with him added, a big if, we would be set except pg. We need a fast wiggle worm that can score when needed and can spread the ball around.
