Kugel's status should have been the first question for CTG from the ESPN mob, yet all they did was fawn.
Thanks for finding that. I've been searching high and low for someone mentioning at least his name. It seems like Florida is trying to do a Marty McFly and erase him from existence.
No offense taken. But he scored 25 against Baylor, 24 against Wake Forest, 22 against Auburn (1st game), 20 against Arkansas. I think he's a major talent who has a much higher ceiling than what we've witnessed. Perhaps he should transfer somewhere like Wake Forest. After Tyree Appleby transferred from UF to Wake, he became ACC Player of the Year.
Not only was Tyree the ACC Player of the Year, but IMO, he was directly responsible for Wake going 5-9 in its last 14 games.
I understand that. Totally understandable that TG sat him if he was late or missed warm-ups or whatever the case was. I wasn't questioning that. It was more me hoping. Tough to play just 7 so hopefully message was sent and he's ready to play, but if he can't play disciplined, I understand TG pulling him. I'm just hoping we get the good Riley for the tournament.
Kugel needs to refine his game and from my perspective he would have a great opportunity to do so at Florida under Golden's guidance. The first step was the insistence by our coaches that his game as it stands now is not enough even if the foundational talent is in place.
I think it is much deeper than that. TG saw how gassed Pullin, Clayton, Richard, and even Aberdeen (who is not used to so many minutes) were. Even if the fiat was just pass the ball off and play solid defense, it would have given one or all of the others needed rest at a minimum, and perhaps more stops and some scoring as a bonus to the team. It was not like any of those four were lighting it up offensively. So to say that Kugel would have been a liability on a team that was already shooting 1-12 from 3 with tired legs that he did not have is illogical. It is one of three rhings 1). An undisclosed injury (not likely), 2) A bold display of sandbagging (which worked with TAMU but clearly not with Auburn), or 3). He has informed TG Thst he wants to transfer and as such TG no longer considers him part of the team but they have agreed to part ways amicably (business not personal). I am hoping for 2 but my gut says 3.
if Door No. 3, then he quit on the team and if I were another coach, I might be reluctant to pursue him.
If 3, why sit him? Seems like the dispassionate business decision would be to play a guy that you think helps. Unless RK said I'm transferring AND I'm quitting. Which I kinda doubt because: It would be hugely disappointing if RK quit, and also disappointing if coach sat him because he told him he's transferring. It would come as no surprising if he bounces, but it would come as a surprise if that decision is why he's not playing now. I'm leaning disciplinary. We may never know
There's one other possibility I can think of. There's an agent involved with possible eligibility issues at stake. Until that is resolved, he can't play and risk the Gators having to forfeit any games he played in.
We are all speculating but #3 makes the most sense to me. It is highly possible with all the hoopla surrounding him pre season that he feels a bit entitle to be playing more than he has. I think he and TG had a personal conversation where he doesn't see a future at UF and so that's why he's sitting. I don't see him playing at all during the tourney. The good news is this gives Aberdeen more experience and he actually imo is playing better.
Interesting I don't know how to post it But on my FB feed I have a video from Gator Basketball doing interviews with Will, Riley Tyrese, Klatsky, Rishwain..it's about what March means to them..Riley speaks and ends with a big Go Gators, did not sound like #3 was the answer from how he talked.. Maybe some one with more tech savvy can post it? Look it up under Florida Gator Basketball
