Florida Basketball: Key to success against North Florida in 2019-20

1. Showcase elite-level defense.

Florida was one of the best defensive units in the entire country last season as they dominated in just about every facet of the game on that end of the floor. And even though the Gators had to wave goodbye to four key pieces from last season and will be much younger this time around, the newcomers all project as strong defenders that will fit in Coach White’s system exceptionally well. Additionally, it would be a mistake to overlook the projected improvements out of the rising sophomore class.

In order for Florida to live up to sky-high expectations this season, the defense will need to once again rank near the top of the nation. The returns of Andrew Nembhard and Noah Locke will certainly help the squad in this area but incoming freshman Scottie Lewis will be the linchpin. The 6-foot-5 five-star prospect arrives with a tremendous reputation for his multipositional defensive skills and great motor. He could be a tremendous asset to the Gators’ 1-2-2 zone press with his ability to apply pressure on ball-handlers and read passing lanes.

Under the leadership of head coach Matthew Driscoll, North Florida has emerged as an up-tempo offensive team that is unafraid of letting it fly from beyond the arc. The Ospreys have finished in the top-40 nationally in both adjusted pace and 3PA/FGA over the past two seasons. Additionally, they heavily rely on ball-movement to create open looks, even though they exhibit one of the worst turnover rates.

This matchup will provide Florida’s perimeter defense the opportunity to absolutely feast. Nembhard, Mann, Locke, and Lewis should terrorize the Ospreys throughout the matchup with regards to slowing down their offense and forcing mistakes. That also leads to the next key to watch in this game…