NCAA Basketball: Top 25 early winners from 2023 offseason moves
By Joey Loose
10. Florida
Finishing under .500 in Todd Golden’s first season as head coach probably wasn’t how Florida planned things last season, but it’s no indictment on his leadership or this program. Their first season was a significant struggle, but brighter days are in the very near future for the Gators. In fact, the moves made these past few months could make them a contender in the SEC next year.
Among Florida’s additions are a few notable transfers, including Walter Clayton, the MAAC Player of the Year who averaged 16.8 points per game at Iona. Tyrese Samuel is a 6’10 forward who was good for 11 points a game at Seton Hall last year while Micah Handlogten is younger and bigger and showed promise as a freshman at Marshall. The Gators lose Colin Castleton but will have young guards Riley Kugel and Will Richard back after very solid showings in the backcourt last season.
The Gators don’t lose too much talent outside of Castleton and these additions will be like a fresh coat of paint on a stiffer rotation. Golden’s first year didn’t end well but the Gators have legitimate talent for this upcoming season. Landing both Clayton and Samuel gives Florida plenty of reasons for hope moving forward and it’ll be interesting to see if these Gators can get back into contention in a deep and tough SEC that’s seemingly passed them by in recent years.