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Florida basketball: SEC play opens up with a tough challenge for the Gators

By Will Thomas

Dec 20, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Florida Gators guard Trey Bonham (2) looks to pass defended by Oklahoma Sooners guard Otega Oweh (3) during the second half at the Jumpman Invitational at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Florida Gators guard Trey Bonham (2) looks to pass defended by Oklahoma Sooners guard Otega Oweh (3) during the second half at the Jumpman Invitational at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Florida basketball team has had a modest 7-5 start to the season. While they’ve had some high points, the offensive struggles and rough losses have cast a shadow over the beginning of the season.

As SEC play begins, it doesn’t get much easier. The Gators open up conference play tonight with a road trip up to play #20 Auburn.

The Tigers have had a strong start to the year, sitting at 10-2 with their only losses coming to Memphis and USC. Their leader at the point guard position Wendell Green Jr. is in his junior season and leads Auburn in scoring.

For the Gators to start conference play off with a great road win, they’ll need to address the biggest issue they’ve faced all season: 3-point shooting. Florida is shooting the long ball at a 35.59% rate, which comes in at 103rd in the country.

That is not good.

Without any real threats from the perimeter, opposing defenses are able to sit back and guard the paint, which takes away opportunities from Colin Castleton, the leader of the Gators.

In order for UF to improve on their shooting, they need guys like Myreon Jones to get more consistent from the perimeter. Jones came in as a transfer last year as a long-range threat but is only shooting the ball at 20% from deep this year.

On the other side of the court, the Gators will have to make Johni Broome a non-factor. The 6′-10” big man is scoring 12.2 points per game and bringing in 8.2 rebounds per game.

Aside from Adama Sanogo of UConn, Broome will be the toughest matchup for Colin Castleton down low this season. He’ll be facing SEC size the rest of the season, so he’ll also need help from Jason Jitoboh and Alex Fudge to lock down the paint.

Despite the difference in record, the Gators currently sit at just 6-point underdogs. If they execute well, they can walk out of The Jungle with a win.

Keep up with Florida basketball at Hail Florida Hail. 

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