Florida won the SEC and earned a No. 1 seed last season, but its NCAA Tournament ended with a second-round loss to Iowa. Now the Gators begin the new campaign at the top of the preseason AP poll, with No. 14 Miami waiting in Tampa. It’s a season opener with more tension than the usual November tune-up: both teams enter with NCAA Tournament expectations, and Florida will have to prove its ranking can hold up against a quality opponent right away.
The shooting question starts now
Florida brings back four starters, including Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu. That continuity should help Todd Golden’s team settle in quickly, but one weakness from last season could follow the Gators into the opener: Florida made just 31.2% of its three-pointers, one of the lowest marks in program history. Miami, meanwhile, shot 34.9% from deep last season, giving the Hurricanes a potential advantage if the Gators’ perimeter defense or outside shooting falters.
Battle of front court
The frontcourt battle should be just as compelling. Florida’s Condon and Chinyelu will face a Miami group that includes Somto Cyril and Malik Reneau, who received an injunction to play another season. Miami also brings back Shelton Henderson after a strong freshman year, while transfer guard Acaden Lewis arrives after averaging 5.3 assists at Villanova. The Hurricanes have enough size and ball-handling to make Florida work for its first win.
Miami has already made a major leap under head coach Jai Lucas. After winning 12 games two seasons ago, the Hurricanes reached 26 wins and the NCAA Tournament last year. A victory over the No. 1 team would put Lucas’ program into the national conversation before the first full week of the season is over. Florida won the teams’ meeting last November, but the Gators know a preseason ranking won’t help them if Miami controls the glass or turns the game into a three-point contest.
Big sunshine state test
Monday’s opener gives Florida a chance to show that last season’s postseason disappointment has sharpened the team. It also gives Miami a high-profile opportunity to show its rise is real. The first major test of the season arrives before either team has had time to ease into it.
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