Florida Basketball: Analyzing Gators depth chart going into 2010-21 season
Big Man Minutes Distribution
Projected Starter: Omar Payne, SO
Due to the graduation of senior leader and starting big man Kerry Blackshear Jr., the center position is the biggest question mark for the Gators this season. Fresh off of an inconsistent freshman season, Omar Payne is poised to get the first crack at starter minutes.
A long, bouncy athlete, Payne’s strengths are finishing at the rim and blocking shots. He showed flashes of being able to do both at a high level, highlighted by a 19-point, 11-rebound, 9-9 shooting performance against Auburn. No one is expecting Payne to put those numbers up each game, but if Payne can simply set good screen for his guards, finish his opportunities around the rim and play solid defense, there will be minutes for him.
Another potential concern is his fouling. With any young big, being a shot blocker in major minutes, and staying on the floor without fouling is always difficult. Due to this, coach White may try to limit Payne’s minutes in the low-mid twenties, to preserve him for the entirety of the game. With Johnson potentially playing some minutes at the five, it will help alleviate the pressure.
Beyond those two, Michigan transfer Colin Castleton will be a backup option if he is granted a waiver for this season by the NCAA. He was a reserve for the Wolverines the past two seasons, and that would likely continue with the Gators. Lastly, sophomore Jason Jitoboh will also be trying to crack the rotation. Right now the nod is going to Castleton, but if his waiver is denied, expect Jitoboh to eat up his minutes.
Projected Minutes:
Payne: 20-22 minutes per game as the starting big man
Johnson: 12-14 minutes sliding over from forward
Castleton: 6-8 minutes as the backup center
Jitoboh: Likely to take Castleton’s minutes if he waiver is denied
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