There was an interesting comment in one of these threads about how Golden has adapted each year to get the team to this point (higher usage rate guards and length for rebounding last year, more perimeter defense and rim protection this year). Looking at where we sit in national statistical rankings, what struck me were the three specific areas we are in the top 10 nationally. Shot volume: field goals attempted (3rd), field goals made (8th) Offensive rebounding: offense rebounds (2nd), offensive rebounding % (2nd) Defensive shooting efficiency: opponent 3pt % (3rd), opponent effective fg% (5th), opponent shooting efficiency (5th), opponent shooting % (7th) Of course, we are also top 10 in scoring, scoring margin, and total rebounds, but it's the other three areas that show just what Golden has tried to do and how it is working. He wants to force bad shots (defensive shooting efficiency), which enables us to get shots up in transition/early offense (shot volume), which in turn enables our high level offensive rebounders to get misses and putbacks (offensive rebounding). We aren't just "playing fast"; we are playing--to use a phrase everyone hates, haha--"complementary" basketball. Our aggressive switching ball screen defense and rim protection (21st in blocks per game, 11th in 2pt%) is leading to more rebounds and transition opportunities, which leads to more shots, which leads to more offensive rebounds, which leads to yet more shots on putbacks. We'll see how it works in league play (the UK defensive showing was shocking, and the UT defensive showing was shocking in a different way!), but it's obvious that Golden has designed this roster in a certain way for very certain purposes, and it seems to be producing the exact results he wanted.
that is what is so great about Golden. He knows exactly what he wants to do as a coach and the personnel he needs - goes out and aggressively recruits those kinds of players (among the best at doing that), builds the team with the right balance then focuses on those areas he wants to excel at in practice, scouts and game plans really well and prepares the players the best they can to execute that game plan. Everything he does is PURPOSEFUL, and it's best on INTELLIGENCE and understanding of the game. So many coaches out there that don't really know exactly what they're doing or who they want to be as a team, the style of play etc or they recruit the wrong kinds of players for the wrong system. Golden is a rare combination of cerebral and aggressive, introvert and extrovert - he seems to know what it takes to win and he's doing a great job of making it happen by carefully strategizing and then executing that strategy - not too dissimilar to a war general. It's impressive to watch.
he also has a great eye for talent AND high character guys. Condo and Haugh are perfect examples. Who even knew who they were before we landed them. Now they're both beasts and getting better each game.
I heard Lee Humphreys mention that Arky was second in the conference on transitions. Gators seemed a litte taken by that in the opening tip and first few minutes. But the Golden showed what he's about as our head coach where he has created a top-notch transition offense which is considered one of the best second-chance scoring teams in the country. Boy do I feel like we've got the right guy leading the team. That logo on the court that says "Billy Donovan Court" doesn't seem to intimidate him one iota. So far I'm impressed with him and his leadership.
Every team in the SEC gets good players. Some get more than others, and that's the difference between the top half and the bottom half. It will be interesting to see how well Awbrin adjusts to the loss of Broome, because I suspect his season is over. They still managed to win at SCe yesterday but I think they'd have won by double-digits if Broome weren't hurt. I wish him a speedy recovery but I don't think it's going to happen, even by March.
With three guys fouling out, we came close to having to use a ninth player. Injuries and illness are going to occur and right now, I don't see Mikic earning any minutes if one of our four bigs go down. Largely playing with seven, I imagine the next option would be Brown or Klavzar, with us going small for a few minutes.
with that I think Urban, Brown and Kublickas are all capable of giving a few backup minutes at the 1 and 2 (Brown could even play the 3). I don't know if Mikic is quite ready to give back up minutes at the 4 or 5. We seem deeper at the 1,2 and 3 than the 4 and 5 (7 vs 4). Hopefully he continues to develop behind the scenes and we see him occasionally if we have a couple blowout home wins
I would sure love to see us get a big blowout going so that we can give all of those guys a few minutes against SEC athletes.
Pleased with progress but was worried about HS recruiting success. Think his most recent HS class will be a good one. Like his international recruiting success but these kids not earning much playing time as of yet. Hopefully they stick around next year when seniors graduate. Need to get very lucky in transfer portal with coaches current recruiting model.
I think Golden will continue to be very successful in the transfer portal, especially if we continue to improve this season. We have become a destination school for those wanting to take that next step and use UF and the SEC as a platform to get into the league.
I think he will continue to thrive in the transfer portal. Four of our starting five came from there. He has embraced it as the way things are and will be for the coming future. He is young, energetic and players like his style of play. Contrast him to Calipari that seems like his time has passsed.
Golden has really good players who are also inspired to be good team players. There doesn’t appear to be selfishness in this group. He has put together a very strong tournament-potential team, as well. Excellent guard play with an unwavering front court who are voracious on the boards. This is an exciting team.
He also has an eye for evaluating talent...he really hasn't missed on anyone. Even the guys on the bench not getting many minutes look good.
