First off, the depth we played. First time since CMW has been there, he was pretty much letting the backups play key minutes. Kennedy #10, hit a three when they were trying to come back in the second half. As a true freshman, 6’3”, 185, looks like he is built pretty solid and didn’t get rattled. Hopefully he gets some more experience/minutes to contribute this year, to be able to take off running next year with a younger team. Jitoboh showed he is moving around better and trying to score more, hope he can start finding a move like a short small jump hook shot, if he did, like the Da Meat hook could come to Gainseville and show him how his big body can be used to his advantage. Last but not the least, Kowacie is a big body and can make things happen. Hopefully he can get more time as the year goes on to feel more comfortable on offense and to get his shot going. He got a couple of steals last night. And he is easily 6’6” not even counting the hairpiece, LOL. Before he leaves Florida, he will be a very good player. One quiet thing happened in regard to BMac’s steals, he got three. I watched the whole game, I didn’t know he got three. Just shows you that he and the transfers are like a pack of hyenas circling a small deer. Fleming is bigger than I thought, he is a warrior. He goes inside with the demeanor, I Will Not Be Denied! Compare this to last year, some of our players tried this but could hardly ever finish except maybe Tre because of his falling away type shot. These two transfers all out war going inside has brought into this battle Duruji and Castleton, who are both much more comfortable doing this. Maybe the transfers have to be stopped so maybe these two are the recipients of their aggressive play. UMMMM UMMMM! This is some much better basketball than we have seen in a long time!
Adding on to the Kennedy note, i didn’t expect him to be able to run the 1 like he did and was shocked to see him rise up and try to dunk on their big. He didn’t finish it but I definitely didn’t think he had that in him
I think Jones adds a lot and helps handling the ball and when he gets hot he can really open the lead up. He had 13 pts last night with a steal and asst.
What about Felder? Hit a couple 3s, had a nice offensive board and put back and really defends, just like the others.
I had seen some photos of Felder before he arrived at UF and he looked pretty skinny. Now he looks powerful. Maybe it was the timing of photos, or maybe the UF strength program really worked some wonders. I don't know, but he looks like a beast.
Felder seems like he can be the missing front court piece. Imo, need a legitimate 3 player front court to really make a run. If he can shoot around 35% from 3, he could really stretch out the defense, but his defense and rebounding are going to be the key. Excited to see how much he'll grow throughout the season.
We had 7 players get double figures in minutes played and Kennedy just missed with 9. Like others have said one player having an off night is not going to affect this team as in season's past. As this team spends more time together I believe they will continue to get better.
Fun one tonight. Be interested to watch a defensive player like McKissic try to shut EJ Liddell down. He’s legit and can drop 25 on ya quick. I think we will also get a chance to watch Felder cover him some.
I didn’t talk about Myreon, but he has a very good shot. He is a good teammate and doesn’t force shots. We are very lucky for this year’s recruiting haul. Thanks to all the coaches and players!
Not sure who will be covering a 6'-7" power forward, but I would think the job would go to Duruji and Felder before McKissic.
we might see CC on him at times too...or at least rotating to him for rim protection. Whoever is guarding him needs to keep him off the free throw line. He was 10-10 against Seton Hall
I hear he's really good at drawing fouls. And CC has been good this season about not fouling. Hmm. Tough call. CC is the one player I think we can't afford to lose to foul trouble.
When I see us ratchet up the defense because CC is on the bench for an extended period I'll be impressed.
Much agreed. I believe he was runner-up in his Virginia High School classification for state player of the year.
