Florida Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Gators
By Joey Loose
Key Reserves
Guard – Zyon Pullin (Senior)
Perhaps a member of the starting lineup at some point in this upcoming season, Pullin is a veteran guard who spent the last four seasons at UC Riverside. A starter in the backcourt for the final three, he just put up 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, earned First Team All-Big West honors. Life will be a bit different in the SEC, but Pullin is an experienced point guard who can hit shots from all over the court and will have a significant role in this program.
Forward – Thomas Haugh (Freshman)
A 3-star forward from Pennsylvania, Haugh is brimming with potential and is one of the intriguing pieces in this recruiting class. He’s 6’9 and has the size and ability to grab minutes all over the frontcourt, though we’ll see how much he contributes right off the bat as he adjusts to the college game.
Guard – Denzel Aberdeen (Sophomore)
Appearing in just twelve games last year as a freshman, Aberdeen is certainly hoping to carve out a more significant role this season. He really didn’t have many opportunities to shine, but will be a decent backup in the backcourt, with the hopes of carving out his offensive game. The Gators have a strong backcourt, but Aberdeen will be ready when his number is called.
Forward – Aleks Szymczyk (Sophomore)
Another player continuing to develop as an underclassman, Szymczyk is a 6’10 forward from Germany who saw time in 14 games last season but might be in store for even more minutes this year. Not only does he have great size, he’s shown the potential to become a shooter from all over the court, making him an attractive piece in this frontcourt, especially with less names in front of him on the depth chart this year.
Forward – Alex Condon (Freshman)
A 6’11 power forward from Australia, Condon is a very intriguing prospect for the Gators who could see playing time early on a freshman. He’s strong, athletic, and will likely earn minutes early after all of the offseason changes to the program’s frontcourt. We’ll just have to see how game transitions from the international level into the SEC, though he’ll have chances to prove himself.
Guard – Julian Rishwain (Senior)
A new addition with some familiarity, Rishwain began his career at Boston College before spending the next three seasons at San Francisco, including a pair of years with Golden. He was a solid reserve shooter but struggled last year and missed nearly half the season after sustaining a significant leg injury. If he’s healthy and at 100% percent then he can be a veteran shooter and provide an influence for this Gators team.
Guard – Kajus Kublickas (Freshman)
Another young prospect for the Gators, Kublickas competed internationally for Lithuania in several events in recent years but is a first-year player at the college level. He’s a point guard with scoring talent and more importantly court vision and the ability to distribute the basketball. He’s pretty far down the depth chart and could be more of a project, but he’s someone to watch for the near future.