Why Florida will win
The Gators are back, and those who think their bite might not be as ferocious as last season will have another think coming this weekend.
For there will be another thing in the Gators’ trophy case early next week: a gold plaque signifying a second consecutive national title, making Florida the first repeat winner since Duke in 1991 and ‘92.
Those who think Florida’s close calls in this year’s tournament compared with last season’s are an indication the Gators aren’t as good should think again.
“They’re better,” UCLA coach Ben Howland acknowledges.
Joakim Noah is better all-around; Al Horford is better in the post; Corey Brewer, he of the breathtaking drives, is better at beating his man to the rim.
Even more important, the backcourt is better: Taurean Green, their floor leader extraordinaire, is coming off a weekend in St. Louis in which he won most outstanding player honors in the Midwest Regional. Fellow guard Lee Humphrey scored 23, which included seven 3-pointers, in the regional final against Oregon.
Experience is a dangerous thing for opponents to deal with this time of year, and the Gators have more of it than anybody in Atlanta. Their national title from a year ago has only served to make them more focused on winning another one.
That’s why every starter came back, and it’s why coach Billy Donovan continues to motivate.
Florida’s minislump in late February, during which it lost three of four games, helped players refocus for the postseason. Since the start of the Southeastern Conference tournament, the Gators have been exhibiting the versatility that distinguishes champions.
The Gators can dance to any tempo.
Butler slowed the pace in the regional semifinals, but the Gators came through with a game-ending 11-3 run to win 65-57.
Hot-shooting Oregon went up and down the court, but the Gators had more in reserve and won 85-77.
Both teams found Florida stingy with its perimeter defense, as will UCLA and either Ohio State or Georgetown.
The Gators’ alert, aggressive defense on the arc is holding opponents to 29.1 percent in 3-point shooting for the season.