Gators In KenPom & Net [Latest at #133]

What we miss on elite talent, we make up in coaching, IMO. Not mainly Xs and Os, but team construction, mental preparation, resilience, composure, motivation, energy, sideline presence, etc. Todd brings a lot to the table.

 

He's proven to be a huge win of a hire.

I'd love to see him stay like Billy did.

 

Especially the roster construction and the intentionally the staff brings to everything. From high usage rate guard to get higher shot volume and better tempo, to greater length in the post to improve offensive rebounding and finishing in the paint, to more athleticism and strength across the board to improve perimeter defense and rim protection, to more aggressive switching on ball screens to limit 3s and force more live ball turnovers, we are consistently adapting what we want, finding guys who can execute that, and implementing schemes to help them do it.

 

Golden is night and day from White. MW used to be so nervous on the sideline and it affects the team down the stretch.
Golden has a warrior mentality.

 

I wish I could figure out why the Vols are still ahead of Bama in KenPom. 20-5 vs 21-3. Almost identical O/D rating. Bama with notably harder schedule.

 

The Bama offensive rating is 8 points per 100 possessions better than the Vols’, but the Vols’ defensive rating is 12 points per 100 possessions better than Bama’s.

 

This morning (2/12/25), the Gators have swapped places with the Vols in the NCAA Ranking. We're now #4, presumably making us a 1-seed.
I read somewhere that the #45 position is considered the "bubble" spot. Amazingly, 14 of the 16 SEC teams are all above the 45, meaning they are at this point legit NCAAT teams. Now, a lot may change and I feel the Selection Committee will feel like slighting a couple of SEC teams just so they can get some personal faves in.
The sub-45 outliers, bottom-feeding LSU and SC, are not even all that bad, and are NIT-caliber.

 

If this holds, we likely will be playing an SEC team in the dance, maybe multiple. This used to grate my nerves but not anymore; the cream rises to the top and we can be a difficult draw for most any team. There is a mental toughness with this squad, especially with Clayton and Martin. We will not go quietly into the night.

 

we broke 33 for the first time this year

https://kenpom.com/

 

Amazing. Could be the first time ever. I wish I saved some info during the 2013 season, as that would be the most likely time it happened before.

 

KenPom has 7 SEC teams above the number 2 ACC team. And SEC number 8 is basically tied with ACC number 2.

 

Up to 33.66.

https://kenpom.com/

 

And still 4! Some crazy high numbers.

 

Duke passes Auburn to take top KenPom spot.

 

Neither of them want to face us.

 

Probably true. Though I wouldn’t be too confident facing them either. Having all three of these as 1 seeds not to meet before the final 4 seems like the right solution.

 

Also wanted to remind everyone that the last place team in the SEC- 0-13 South Carolina- BEAT that #2 ACC team Clemson.

It's insane how good the SEC is this year.
I just hope it shows in the big dance...

 

Broke 34! And still ranked 4th.

https://kenpom.com/

 

How is the happening? Have teams just learned how to game the metrics? There have only been 4 teams above 34 in the last ten years—and we have 4 this season alone.