9. Florida (13-1)
Nearly every game played by these Gators before New Year’s featured a double-digit Florida win. This wasn’t a murderer’s row of opponents like they’ll see in conference play in the next two months, but the Gators imposed their will, getting off to a hot start to the season. The real fun starts with the SEC season beginning and Florida had quite the opener on Saturday.
Before that drama, the Gators had their way with Stetson last Sunday, winning 85-45 in a laugher at home. Alijah Martin scored 18, Will Richard had 17 points, and this team had their way with the Hatters. The real business began this weekend and Florida came up on the wrong end of a classic, losing 106-100 on the road at Kentucky. Walter Clayton Jr. was brilliant with 33 points while Alijah Martin added 26 points, but the Wildcats were just too much for them on this day.
Even with their first loss of the season, the Gators proved that they’re a great team, scoring 100 on the road at Lexington against a very tough Kentucky team. That first defeat was going to happen eventually, especially with league play now underway, but nothing has changed about how we see this team. They have those phenomenal guards, talent in the frontcourt, and a chance to be really special. Let’s see if they can pull off a big win next week with Tennessee in town.