Florida Basketball: Analyzing Gators depth chart going into 2010-21 season
Shooting Guard Minutes Distribution
Projected Starter: Noah Locke, JR
After starting 29 of 31 games last season, sharpshooter Noah Locke seems like a, pardon the pun, lock for the starting lineup this season. Locke was a pleasant surprise last season, improving his rookie numbers, especially percentage-wise. He topped out at a solid 43% from deep, on a substantial six attempts per game.
He also led the SEC in turnover percentage both of his seasons with the Gators. While a majority of this is probably due to the lack of playmaking opportunities, having a sure-handed guard is always a plus. Perhaps coach White may look for Locke to have the ball in his hands more frequently, and see if his elite turnover percentage can hold up in a higher leverage role on-ball.
Beyond that, there isn’t a whole lot else in Locke’s game. He isn’t a great facilitator, and his diminutive frame at 6-3 doesn’t help his defense or rebounding numbers. Still, having a high-level shooter to space the floor seems to be a necessity in any modern basketball offense. Locke will certainly have the opportunity to put up shots and should be a candidate for leading scorer next season.
Behind Locke, Mann is likely to take up most of the backup two-guard minutes. A name to perhaps look out for later in the season is Niels Lane. The physical play of this incoming freshman may lend him to some minutes as a first-year player, but due to the number of experienced guards in the rotation, it may take a majority of the season for him to find a rotation spot. Still, any experience he can pick up this season will certainly lend well to his career down the road with the Gators.