Florida Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Gators

Florida basketball is heading into an interesting season. Although several pieces left this offseason, the program still has plenty of upside for 2018-19.

Florida basketball has been a superb program over the course of the 21st century to this point. While many will point to the back-to-back national titles under then-head coach Billy Donovan in 2006 and 2007, it is important to mention that they have been very successful outside of those two years as well. In fact, even though current head coach Mike White missed the Big Dance in his first season at the helm of the program, he has posted two extremely strong campaigns in the last two years since then.

Coach White is now entering his fourth season as the leader of the Gators and the program seems to be on the rise once again. Over the last two seasons, Florida has recorded a 48-21 (.696) record while finding spots in the final AP top-25 poll in both years. Still, as we look ahead to 2018-19, this could be the strongest year yet for the Gators under Coach White’s leadership.

Even though star seniors Egor Koulechov and Chris Chiozza departed this offseason, Florida is returning several major contributors from last year in addition to bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Headlined by a top-25 player in Andrew Nembhard, this three-man class comes in ranked at No. 19 in the country.

With this strong balance of experienced and youthful talent, the Gators should be in for a great season. And, in order to preview this upcoming campaign, I asked for some help from Eric Fawcett, who covers Florida basketball for Gator Country. Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter: @Efawcett7.

Now, without further ado, let’s jump into previewing the 2018-19 season for the Gators.