Florida Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Gators

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 24: Head coach Mike White of the Florida Gators reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at Madison Square Garden on March 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Expectations for the season

Last year, Florida nearly made the Final Four but had a favorable road in doing so. They faced Virginia and Wisconsin, two teams who similar to the Gators were prone to offensive droughts throughout games.

The shooting was the issue from the guards and with bigs who don’t space the floor, the offense could sputter. While there have been some changes in the roster the overall makeup remains the same; a veteran lineup that plays physical defense but struggles with shooting.

The key for the team is Chiozza. If the senior can elevate his game in his final year and become the second scoring option to Allen, then a Final Four appearance is more than a legit possibility. Mike White has shown his coaching acumen and will have the Gators right in contention for the SEC regular season title.

With a home-heavy schedule and some good opportunities for quality wins, another top-four seed is in play. A good goal for the team would be around 25-29 wins for the regular and conference season.

Next: Alabama basketball season preview

If certain players like Egbunu and Chiozza can score more, and Kovlechov can do what he did at Rice with Florida, then they could very well go further than last year. If the offense still struggles, then the Gators might be a prime candidate for an early round upset.

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