What national media is saying about Florida Gators basketball

With the Gators basketball team beginning a new season Monday, let’s see what the national media is saying ahead of their season opener against Loyola Maryland.

Tipoff from Exactech Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Preseason outlook and comments on the Gators

Gary Parrish, CBS Sports

“Todd Golden’s first year at Florida (after leading San Francisco to a rare NCAA Tournament appearance didn’t go as planned. The Gators finished below .500 for the first time since 2015, in part because Colin Castleton, Florida’s best player, missed the final six games with a broken right hand. This projection suggests the Gators are viewed as something of a bubble team heading into the season, and if they break through it’ll likely be because of the return of Will Richard and Riley Kugel, plus the addition of transfers like Tyrese Samuel (Seton Hall), Zyon Pullin (UC Riverside) and Walter Clayton Jr. (Iona), the last of whom averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season while playing for Rick Pitino in the MAAC.”

Coleman Crawley, BetUS Sportsbook

“Loved Florida’s mid major talent they’ve brought in: Stealing Walter Clayton from Pitino. I prefer Jenkins, but no complaints about getting a 43% 3 pt. shooter and 17 PPG guy. 7-1 Micah Handlogten from Marshall. Can produce without demanding the ball, great defensive piece, SO.”

Jeff Borzello, ESPN

“NEWS: UC Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin has committed to Florida over LSU, he told ESPN. Pullin was the best guard remaining in the portal. First-team All-Big West selection averaged 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season. Gives the Gators a major backcourt boost.”

Fran Fraschilla, ESPN

“Excited to see @CoachToddGolden⁩ & ⁦@GatorsMBK⁩ at Pre-Season NIT. 7-1 Marshall soph transfer, Micah Handlogten’s size & agility intrigues me. Here’s a bonus. His dad, Ben, is a former NBA hustle guy with @utahjazz⁩.”

Dick Weiss, New York Daily News

“Wooh, this one caught me by surprise. Sadly hearing from sources in New York that Iona transfer guard Walter Clayton Jr. has opted to go home, attend Florida instead of Johnnies. Thought this was slam dunk. Rick Pitino is best individual development guy in college basketball.”

Kevin Sweeney, Sports Illustrated

“Kugel first caught my eye early in the 2022–23 season, but he really came on strong down the stretch once starting center Colin Castleton went down with a season-ending injury. Wins didn’t follow, but Kugel looked confident carrying a heavy offensive load, and Todd Golden seems likely to rely on the sophomore once again for major production. In the season’s final 10 games, Kugel averaged more than 17 points per game on 49% shooting. If he replicates those numbers over a full season, he’ll be in the conversation for SEC Player of the Year.”

Bleacher Report (2024 NBA Mock Draft via Jonathan Wasserman)

New York Knicks (via Mavs): Riley Kugel (Florida, SG, Sophomore) Stock: Up (previously No. 31)

“Kugel earned a spot on NBA watch lists last February and March, and that same three-level scorer for a full 2023-24 season should be a consensus first-round pick. Despite offering minimal playmaking, the eye test easily approves of his 6’5″, 207-pound size, self-creation and shooting versatility for an NBA 2-guard.”

Jamie Shaw, On3 National Recruiting Analyst

“During the last third of the season, Kugel showed that he can carry an offense. In the 14 games after his Jan. 25 start against South Carolina, Kugel averaged 14.6 points while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three. He has good length, plays with good balance, and is a smooth athlete. While he is comfortable handling the ball and creating his offense, he will need to show his processing ability while being the focal point of an SEC offense.”

CBB Content (Twitter)

“Florida has absolutely blazed through the portal: Marshall transfer Micah Handlogten, Yale transfer EJ Jarvis, Iona transfer Walter Clayton. Todd Golden = Him

NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (YouTube)

“Florida Fans don’t know it yet but they’re gonna absolutely LOVE Zyon Pullin.”

Ryan Hammer, Personal Scouting and Analytics

“Riley Kugel season splits as a freshman: Season: 9.9 ppg on 45/37/66 splits First 10: 6.3 ppg on 38/33/58 splits Last 10: 17.3 ppg on 50/40/67 splits (!!!) Dramatic improvement throughout the year. Became UF’s #1 option, gained more confidence… HUGE breakout this year.”

Lock Mamba Sports (Twitter)

“Todd Golden enters his second season as head man and should have a better team than last year. Star big Collin Castleston departs the program after averaging 16 PPG but transfers Tyrese Samuel (Seton Hall) and Micah Handlogten (Marshall) will step into big man duties. Expect returning guard Riley Kugel to breakout and be a massive difference maker for the Gators and MAAC player of the year Walter Clayton Jr. should complement him nicely. Florida should be solid once again and will be right there in the bubble conversation.”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.