Florida Gators Basketball: Positive Takeaways From Loss To Gonzaga
5. Kasey Hill Stepped Up
When the Florida Gators landed Kasey Hill in the recruiting class of 2013, many expected him to become the next big star in Gainesville. He was one of the Top 10 players in his recruiting class and seemed to have the tools to be a one-and-done superstar.
Though his jump shot still isn’t working, Hill stepped up on both ends of the floor against Nigel Williams-Goss and the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
#Gators go into halftime up 37-32 on No. 11 #Gonzaga after this Devin Robinson jumper. Nice feed from Kasey Hill. pic.twitter.com/RKtneoYVpZ
— Ryan Young (@RyanYoungRivals) November 26, 2016
Hill shot 0-of-2 from the floor, but he went 6-of-6 from the free throw line. He finished with eight points, seven assists, four rebounds, one offensive board, two steals, and a block to just two turnovers in 32 minutes.
Nigel Williams-Goss may have posted more prolific scoring numbers, but Hill facilitated the Gators’ offense and played outstanding defense for stretches of the game.
If other players can step up as scorers, Hill’s ability to defend and facilitate will be enough for Florida to reach the NCAA Tournament. His fearlessness as a playmaker and tenacity as a defender are invaluable strengths.
Hill’s isolation tendencies hurt the Gators late, but he played the type of game that Florida needs him to for a vast majority of this contest.