NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2022-23 season

There have been a lot of changes this offseason for the Gators, including head coach Mike White leaving for Georgia, ultimately replaced by Todd Golden of San Francisco. His analytic-focused system will have a great centerpiece to work with in returning center, Colin Castleton. He led the Gators with 16.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg, as well as 2.2 blocks per game.

While guys like Walker Kessler and Oscar Tshiebwe got all of the attention in the SEC at the center position, Castleton was one of the most consistent frontcourt players in the country. He scored 9+ points in each game, produced 10 double-doubles, and even had a career-high eight blocks in a game against South Carolina. And the roster surrounding him arguably got better this offseason after a number of incoming transfers joined.

The biggest name is St. Bonaventure transfer Kyle Lofton, a four-year starter with career averages of 13.9 ppg and 5.2 apg. He’s also an ironman of sorts, playing on average 38 mpg and numerous times where he played all 40 minutes in a game. Another playmaking guard is Trey Bonham, who averaged 13.6 ppg and 4.0 apg this past season at VMI.

One player that could unlock this team’s potential is Belmont transfer Will Richard. The 6’5 guard/wing was the clear 3rd option last season but still managed 12.1 ppg and 6.0 rpg on 47% from the field and 33% from three-point range. Richard already has success against SEC competition, scoring 22 points in the NIT loss to Vanderbilt last postseason.

If former LSU transfer Alex Fudge can be an impactful player in the frontcourt alongside CJ Felder, the Gators could be a surprise contender in the SEC. But like UConn, they have a star center and a bunch of perimeter newcomers that’ll need time to mesh.