Todd Golden reacts to contract extension, win over Alabama in SEC Tournament

It’s been a big week for head coach Todd Golden and the Florida Gators basketball program. First, Golden received a contract extension and since then the Gators have gone on a run in the SEC Tournament and will play to win the conference tournament on Sunday.

Following Florida’s win over Alabama on Friday, Golden reacted to that extension that he earned, as well as the win over the Crimson Tide.

“Obviously it feels great,” Todd Golden said. “Appreciate the trust and belief that our administration has in myself and our staff, what we’ve built in a short period of time.”

Todd Golden is in his second season at Florida and is on the way to taking the Gators to their first NCAA Tournament appearance under him this season. That comes after taking Florida to the NIT in his first season with the program.

Now, with the trust of the athletic department behind him and in the form of an extension, Golden was able to turn his full attention to the SEC Tournament.

“Obviously, last night was a tricky game. It went back and forth. But to push through was a little bit after relief. This game, to be honest, just less pressure coming into this game. Not saying complete house money, but obviously a really good opponent, a loss doesn’t hurt you and a win helps you in a big way,” Golden said.

“I felt like our guys played like that after the first couple minutes, felt like it was about us, staying the course. Obviously, it feels good to have a couple wins after that sign of belief in what we’re building here.”

Florida will play Auburn on Sunday to try and win the SEC Tournament for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

Todd Golden addresses first SEC championship game coming against Auburn

Ahead of playing Auburn in the SEC Tournament, Todd Golden addressed the matchup.

“Yeah, I mean, I would be lying if I said I would not — I would prefer it to be somebody else. But to meet them in the championship, it’s going to be just an awesome game and a great opportunity for us,” Golden said.

“Neither side will be taking it easy on each other. Obviously, they’ve had a great year. They have a great team. We played very well when we played them the first time. We had them at home. Obviously, it’s going to be a tougher challenge now in a neutral court.”