NCAA Basketball: Biggest takeaways from the 2019 recruiting classes
By Brian Rauf
4) Florida set themselves up for a Final Four run
For all the Memphis hype, I think Florida actually set themselves up for the most success with their recruiting class. Despite losing a some key players, namely KeVaughn Allen and Jalen Hudson, the Gators filled virtually all their needs.
Returning sophomore Andrew Nembhard has secured the point guard position, but five-star freshman Tre Mann is an exceptional backup. And, considering the fact that Nembhard is listed at 6-5, both will be able to play together without sacrificing anything defensively.
Scottie Lewis, the No. 7 overall prospect in the country, also adds to that versatility. At 6-5 and 185 pounds, he is the most elite kind of quick-twitch athlete that will be one of the best athletes in the country right away. He gives the Gators a true lockdown defender and a great slasher, perfectly complementing the shooting of Nembhard and Mann.
With their backcourt secure, Florida went out and solidified their frontcourt as well with the commitment of Virginia Tech grad transfer Kerry Blackshear. Four-star center Omar Payne will give the Gators a rim protector but Blackshear, who averaged 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Hokies last year, gives them the interior scoring presence they were lacking.
Head coach Mike White has led Florida to an NCAA Tournament win each of the last three years, but they have not been a top 25-caliber team over the last two. This class has given them the kind of well-rounded roster that has pushed them into the preseason top 10 and, in my opinion, given them the tools necessary to make a Final Four run.