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Florida Basketball: 5 reasons why Gators can win 2020 national championship

By Brian Rauf

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 15: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Florida Gators celebrates in the game against the LSU Tigers during the Quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 15: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Florida Gators celebrates in the game against the LSU Tigers during the Quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Head coach Mike White of the Florida Gators directs his players during the first half of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Head coach Mike White of the Florida Gators directs his players during the first half of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

4) Elite defense

A lot of what we’ve talked about already has to deal with Florida’s ability to score, but there’s no doubt they’re going to be able to defend, too.

Since White became Florida’s head coach prior to the 2015-16 season, they have ranked in the top 25 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency every year. Prior to joining the Gators, White had Louisiana Tech ranked in the top 35 during two of his four seasons there. He has a proven track record of producing elite defensive teams, and this group has the potential to be his best yet.

It starts with the size they’ll have all over the court. Mann is 6-4 while Nembhard and Lewis are 6-5, giving all three the length to bother opposing guards and the capability to aggressively switch everything on the perimeter. Inside, Florida has five players that are 6-10 or taller, which will help deter opponents around the rim.

We’ve seen the increased importance of being great on this end of the court in recent years. Virginia and Texas Tech rode their defenses to the national championship game, while Michigan State used theirs to make a surprise Final Four run. The defense also powered Oregon’s Sweet 16 run and, well, you get the picture.

The old saying is that “defense travels” and Florida looks like they will be shutting down opponents no matter where they play this season.

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