NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 power rankings for 2024-25 season

21. Florida Gators

2023-24 season record: 24-12 (11-7 SEC)

The Gators proved to be one of the best offensive units in all of NCAA Basketball last season, scoring over 85 ppg. They lost a few of those key pieces, including seniors, Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel. Another roster departure was Riley Kugel, who transferred out to Kansas.

Still, there’s plenty of quality talent coming back. The key is Walter Clayton Jr., who led the team with 17.6 ppg on 37% shooting from deep. He entered the NBA Draft process but very well can return. If he does, Clayton will be a favorite for SEC Player of the Year. Even if he goes, double-digit scorer, Will Richard is capable of having an even larger role in the backcourt.

Inside, the team is hoping that Micah Handlogten can make a full recovery from his injury in the SEC Tournament. Alex Condon was an impressive freshman big man, while Thomas Haugh also showed flashes in the rotation in his first year.

The decision with Clayton remains one of the important ones to watch with the draft but Coach Todd Golden showed that he can use the portal for success. They’ll need another backcourt piece for depth purposes but the current group is in good shape.