Gator Baskeball Profile: Will Yeguete

The Gators will be counting on Will Yeguete’s versatility this season as they attempt to offset a lack of frontcourt depth. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-US PRESSWIRE

Athletic forward Will Yeguete from Bordeaux, France is a highly versatile player for Billy Donovan’s Florida Gator squad.  At 6’7″ and 240 lbs Yeguete is a little undersized, but what he lacks in height he more than makes up for in energy and effort.

Primarily a defensive specialist and rebounder, Yeguete gets most of his scoring off rebounds and put backs. Yeguette is limited as an outside shooter and equally struggles from the line but what he does do, he does well.

He is a very energetic defender with quick hands and good on-ball skills.  He’s an agile rebounder who consistently gets good position on taller post players as well as a good shot blocker and is quick to retrieve loose balls.

His field goal percentage is high at 52.9 percent because most of his shots come from underneath the basket on offensive rebounds and tip-ins.  His free throw percentage needs serious work at 37 percent for his career.  He has not attempted a three point shot in his career.

His first two seasons his minutes were limited but look for that to change this season as he will be counted on to provide serious energy on the defensive end blocking shots, pounding the glass, and scoring underneath the basket.  His shot blocking skills will help jump-start the Gators fast break.  While not a great shooter, he does drive well and can beat taller defenders to the basket.  With teams trying to double Patric Young in the post, Yeguete’s ball skills can provide a good outlet and scoring option.

Sliding in the small forward slot this year he lists his primary role as to

"“create some movement and rebound the ball.”“I’m not really worrying about shots,” Yeguete said. “I’ve been working on my shot a lot but I’m not really worried about it. coach told me if I’m open I can shoot it but I’m not really focusing about scoring a lot I’m just trying to bring some movement and confuse the defense. I’d say I focus on rebounding first though.”"

Before the season started, Donovan stated that his biggest concern with this team was rebounding.  With Cody Larson leaving the team right before the season started, the Gators have limited frontcourt depth so one of the big keys this season will be how well they rebound on both ends of the court especially when they go small with a three guard lineup.

"“Right now we don’t rebound,” Donovan said.  “Not at the level we need to rebound. Rosario and Boynton are not great rebounders, nor should they be.  Their two guards,” added Donovan. In reference to the small lineup they put out there at points in the game.“Will’s kind of an undersized power forward even though he’s been playing that power forward spot for us and been a great rebounder, loose ball guy.”"

With Murphy relying on his outside shot and Young playing with his back to the basket, it’s important that Yeguete takes advantage of his ability to crash the glass and keep possessions alive as well as hold down opponent possessions.

Regardless, Yeguete will be counted on heavily this season in the old Corey Brewer role providing energy, movement, rebounds, steals, blocks, and getting to loose balls.  His versatility is what makes him most dangerous and what the Gators will need from him if they want to get back to the NCAA tournament and possibly improve upon their back to back Elite Eight appearances.