6. Florida (18-2)
Some wondered if Florida was off to a fluke start after winning all thirteen games in nonconference play, but the Gators’ performance in league play has shown us who they really are. Todd Golden is getting a lot of production from a hungry lineup, now sitting in a great position in SEC play. They did have a regrettable showing against Missouri last week, but Florida was back on track again this week with two more wins.
Wednesday was anything but a sure thing, as the Gators trailed nearly every second at South Carolina before Will Richard’s basket in the final seconds delivered a 70-69 road win. Richard had 22 points, Walter Clayton Jr. scored 16, and Florida did just enough to eke it out. There was far less stress this weekend, with the Gators winning 89-59 over Georgia without issue. Clayton and Alijah Martin scored 17 points apiece while Thomas Haugh had a double-double off the bench in a beatdown against Florida’s former coach.
There’s talent aplenty in this rotation, as Florida possesses one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. This team doesn’t need to jack up long-range shots to beat you and have gotten inspired play on the defensive end in recent weeks as well. Obviously, the SEC is a marathon and not a spring and there are challenges ahead. The next game isn’t until next weekend but it’s a doozy at Tennessee.