2009-2010 Florida Predictions
2008-09 Record: (25-11, 9-7 SEC East)
Coach: Billy Donovan (14th year, 310-126 at Florida)
Assistants: Larry Shyatt, Rob Lainer, Richard Pitino
Ret. Starters/Lost: 3/2

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Overview: No team has lost more talent than Florida in the last two years and it has cost them two NIT appearances. This season, not only do they lose a key player in Nick Calathes (17.2ppg, 5.3rpg), who signed a contract to play in Greece, but also 32-year old assistant Shaka Smart, who took the head job at VCU. For Billy Donovan, it appears he has to rebuild every since winning back-to-back titles. This year, he has to replace the backcourt of Calathes and Walter Hodge (8.9ppg). He does return sophomore Erving Walker (5-8, 161), a high-energy player who averaged 10.1ppg and 2.4apg as a freshman. Freshman Kenny Boynton (6-2, 187) is an explosive scorer, who will have to play right away. For the Gators’ sake, he looks like a guy who will be there for awhile, because he doesn’t have NBA size for a two-guard. Sophomore Ray Shipman (6-4, 212) is a solid defender, who can start or come off the bench. Up front, the Gators bring in a big-time transfer from Georgetown in junior Vernon Macklin (6-10, 245), who is very skilled. Macklin is exactly what the doctor ordered for the team’s post problems, but he has to play with consitency and stay out of foul trouble. Sophomore Alex Tyus (6-8, 220) is the top returner up front, though a bit undersized. He averaged 12.5ppg and 6.2rpg last season. Junior Chandler Parson (6-8, 213) added 9.2ppg and 5.7rpg as a wing player. He’s a talent who can rebound and score, but was very erratic last year.

Outlook: The Gators should be able to avoid the NIT despite losing Calathes, who was a tad overrated, especially on the defensive end. That’s what the Gators need to get back to is attacking the glass with fervor and play full court defense.

This SEC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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