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Florida Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Gators

By Lukas Harkins

Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images
Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 04: Students dressed as alligators are seen. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 04: Students dressed as alligators are seen. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Non-conference schedule breakdown

In my opinion, Florida has put together one of the better non-conference schedules in the country. As is the case with just about every major conference team, there are plenty of “easy wins” on the slate but also several high-quality matchups. Furthermore, head coach Mike White showed that he is not afraid of traveling away from home for tough matchups. Here are some of the highlights on the schedule:

  • Nov. 6: at Florida State Seminoles (A)
  • Nov. 21-23: Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament (N)
  • Dec. 4: West Virginia Mountaineers (N)
  • Dec. 8: vs. Michigan State Spartans (H)
  • Dec. 29: vs. Butler Bulldogs (H)

All of these games project as strong opportunities for the Gators to land Quadrant 1 wins but Eric Fawcett points to one as the exciting game on the schedule, in his opinion:

"“My answer should probably be the Battle 4 Atlantis but I think I’m most excited for a matchup with Michigan State in Gainesville in December. By that point in the season the Gators’ young talent should be well adjusted and they should be ready for one of the perennial powers in the Big 10. I’ll also say their matchup with Florida State which is both team’s season opener. Florida State has a 4-game win streak in the annual rivalry and it’s time Florida flips the script.”"

While I would lean towards the B4A as the most exciting event, it is also hard to argue against the environment in the O’Dome that Michigan State’s arrival will create. By early December, both the Gators and the Spartans could be in the top-25, creating an outstanding matchup between two elite programs. This will be the best home non-conference game for Florida and the stadium will be absolutely rocking.

It is, though, important to mention that Florida’s non-conference schedule, on the whole, is way more than just one game. As already mentioned, the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, which includes potential matchups with Virginia/Butler/Wisconsin, will be one of the best events of the first two months. Additionally, taking on West Virginia in NYC and Florida State in Tallahassee will be difficult tests away from home.

Finally, rounding out the non-conference schedule with a home bout against Butler, which will not be an easy game. Be sure to support Eric and check out Gator Country for an interview with me about this matchup.

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