Florida Gators
The Gators did most of their work in the transfer portal early on, landing four veterans. The lone backcourt addition was Walter Clayton Jr. a transfer from Iona and last season’s MAAC Player of the Year, averaging 16.8 ppg and 3.2 apg. The issue with him besides not being a sure bet to play well in the SEC is that he wasn’t even the point guard for the Gaels, Clayton played more off the ball.
So unless Florida is set on having him play point next season, they still need to add another ball-handler. Is there a chance that Coach Todd Golden has some connections out west still from his days in San Francisco? That could be what’s needed to give them a chance in this recruitment.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Continuing the theme of keeping the top west coast programs in the mix, Gonzaga also doesn’t have a ton of guard depth, though they do have a good starting group. Creighton transfer Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman are the projected starters, while either Malachi Smith or Eastern Washington transfer Steele Venters will be at the three-spot.
However, both Smith and Venters are still in the NBA Draft process and there’s a real chance that Smith doesn’t come back for what would be a 6th year. Gonzaga can offer Pullin the chance to not only stay out west but play for one of the safest bets to make the NCAA Tournament, having gone for the last 20+ years straight.