Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Coach Billy Donovan Says ‘Erratic’ Team Working on Consistency, Preparing for FSU

Florida Gators men’s basketball head coach Billy Donovan uttered the term that drove Florida Gator football fans crazy this year: no identity.

Kasey Hill has shown signs of explosiveness this season driving to the lane. He’ll need every bit of his speed tomorrow to beat the tall Florida State defenders to the basket.

Despite the team’s four game win streak, the Gators (7-4) have been “erratic” and are still searching for consistency and “identity,” Donovan said. “What do we do every single game that we know will have an impact.”

He said the while the Gators have had great performances this year shooting, moving the ball and playing defense, they’ve been inconsistent. “Its not an ability issue,” Donovan said. “They have to stand for something as players. What that thing is, they have to decide.”

After five days of no practice for the holidays, the Gators returned to practice on Friday, where Donovan said they are reaping the benefits of having additional players. With the eligibility of freshman guard Brandone Francis, the Gators now have 12 practice players.

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“It make practice more competitive. There can be more subs, drills can go a little longer.” Donovan said. “Two thirds of a season is spent practicing. It can show up on the court.”

The Gators will need the practices to deal with their first opponent in 10 days tomorrow when they travel to Tallahassee to play the rival FSU Seminoles. But the Gators will have the bodies for the game. With guard Eli Carter back from illness, the Gators will be at full

FSU (7-5) has three seven footers, playing a strong defense in the lane with rebounding strength and blocked shots. Donovan said that it’s hard to prepare for the FSU lineup in practices, but said they Gators have seen that kind of team in Georgetown, North Carolina and Kansas — all games that Florida lost.

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“FSU does a great job of protecting the basket,” Donovan said. “It will be tough to get in the lane.”

One player who will be needed for that assignment is sophomore point guard Kasey Hill, who Donovan said is aware of his need to improve, including being aware that the Gators went on an 11-1 against Wake Forest when he was on the bench. Donovan said that Hill has ability, but doesn’t always bring his speed into the game.

But Hill has shown signs of explosiveness this season driving to the lane. He’ll need every bit of his speed tomorrow to beat the tall Florida State defenders to the basket.