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Florida Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Gators

By Lukas Harkins

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 18: The Florida Gators cheerleaders are seen on the endline alongside the mascot Albert in the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Amway Center on March 18, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 18: The Florida Gators cheerleaders are seen on the endline alongside the mascot Albert in the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Amway Center on March 18, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 14: Nembhard of the Gators dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 14: Nembhard of the Gators dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Projected Starting Backcourt

Andrew Nembhard | 6-foot-5 | 193 lbs | Sophomore

One of the best returning floor generals in the country, Andrew Nembhard is a superb leader. The rising sophomore sees the floor remarkably well and impressed throughout last season with his defense and shooting. Now that he has a year of collegiate experience under his belt, Nembhard looks poised for a big-time season. This could potentially be his last in Gainesville before heading to the NBA.

Florida will likely look to play at a much faster pace during this coming season and Nembhard will be the one dictating their possessions. He is a terrific creator and finisher in transition and will be surrounded by plenty of athletic talents that can run the floor. Nembhard averaged 8.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game last season and should improve on those numbers across the board this time around. Breakout star potential.

Noah Locke | 6-foot-3 | 207 lbs | Sophomore

Arguably the best shooter on the Florida roster, Noah Locke is a constant threat from beyond the arc. Over the course of last season, the 6-foot-3 shooting guard connected on 37.9% (81-for-214) of his total attempts from 3-point range. His floor spacing is absolutely crucial to the Gators’ offense as he has a quick trigger and a scorer’s mentality.

Considering Florida features a pair of elite playmakers in Nembhard and Tre Mann, Locke provides a different look for defenses with his ability to let it fly at high volumes. It is reasonable to expect that Locke will be one of the top scoring options for the Gators this season. He is a key returner fresh off averaging 9.4 points per game a year ago.

Locke could be a potential “X-Factor” for the Gators thanks to his shooting and strong efforts in their 1-2-2 zone defense. Locke will be back to being 100% healthy this year after dealing with some injuries as a freshman and could be poised for an outstanding year.

Florida’s sophomore backcourt duo will be flat-out elite and that goes without mentioning super-sub Tre Mann (yet).

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