Being crowned NCAA champions last season was a time to relish for the Florida Gators. This weekend they wrapped up a win in their first game against Samford 79-54. Joakim Noah, the key star in last season's rise in becoming national champs delivered with a double-double, scoring 11 points with 15 rebounds and 6 assists. Florida won their 16th straight home opener under coach Billy Donovan. The Gators shot 58 percent on field goals for the game. In their run through the tournament they were able to overpower Villanova, George Mason, and UCLA.
The 2006 NCAA championship banner was placed in the rafters at home. Most of the Gators' lineup consists of juniors including Noah, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, and Al Horford returning. Brewer averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds a game in the 05-06 campaign. Their two seniors, Lee Humphrey and Chris Richard will have give the team a lift by scoring more often this year. The Gators still have a good crop of young talent continuing to grow and develop.
On the upcoming schedule Florida will face North Florida on Nov. 14 then resume their home stand as they take on the Jacksonville Dolphins. After that the Chattanooga Mocs come to town on Nov. 18. They have a favorable schedule for the first 2 months. I think the Gators given their strength inside the paint, will shoot over 46 percent overall from the field and dominate some of the smaller teams in the South Eastern Conference. They will face their most daunting challenges against Kentucky and Kansas.
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