NCAA Basketball: Updated way-too-early 2019-20 top-25
13. Florida Gators
[NOTE: Florida jumps to No. 5 in these rankings as a result of adding Kerry Blackshear Jr.]
Florida is one of my favorite teams in the country heading into this year. After a relatively successful 2018-19 season, they are returning some key contributors while also bringing in a dynamite recruiting class. Among the top returners, rising sophomores Andrew Nembhard, Noah Locke, and Keyontae Johnson look poised to continue holding down major roles. During their freshmen campaigns, Nembhard emerged as a high-quality floor general, Locke showed potential as a go-to scorer, and Johnson rebounded at a high rate.
From a recruiting perspective, their No. 7 overall class will be highly impactful. This class features five newcomers, the best of which being elite two-way wing Scottie Lewis. Ranked as the top small forward in the class, Lewis projects as a dynamic defender with plenty of offensive skill. In addition, Omar Payne looks like an immediate impact big man and Tre Mann should be an elite combo guard.
Related Story. Analyzing Florida's 2019 recruiting class. light
Florida is going to be one of the youngest teams in the country but their talent level is very high. With their combined skill sets, it seems likely that the Gators will be an elite defensive team with some solid offensive punch. Watch out for head coach Mike White’s team to continue rising up the rankings in the near future.