Florida Basketball: Three stats that are a bright spot for Gators
Earlier this week we looked at three stats that are a problem for Florida basketball and have helped contribute to the Gators’ 12-9 record that has them on the outside looking in according to ESPN’s Bracketology.
But not all is bad for the Florida Gators, and as they get ready to take on the 2nd ranked Tennessee Volunteers tonight, here are three stats that have been a bright spot for the squad.
Florida Basketball: Block party
The Gators are third in the country in blocks per game, trailing only Iona and Utah Valley State, with an average of six per game. Leading the way has been Colin Castleton, averaging 3.2 blocks per game.
What has made Castleton effective isn’t just the volume of blocks per game, it’s that he’s doing it without fouling. Castleton is averaging 1.48 blocks for every foul that has been called on him. That’s the 11th-best rate in the country. When you factor in his 21 steals, his 1.95 defensive plays per personal foul are also good for the 18th best in the country.
Defense wins championships
To go along with the block party, defense as a whole for Florida basketball has been the strength of the squad. At 0.906 points per possession, Florida’s defense has the 19th-best efficiency in the country.
Obviously, the block part contributes to that, but even when Florida doesn’t get a hand on the ball they are still making life difficult for opposing shooters. On shots that are not blocked, opponents are converting two-point attempts 51% of the time. That may sound high, but it is actually good for 4oth best in the country.
Protect the rock
It may not seem like it after the Kansas State game, but Florida basketball is statistically speaking fairly competent at protecting the basketball.
The Gators are averaging a turnover on 16.3% of its possessions, which ranks 55th in the country. Unfortunately, because of their poor assists numbers their turnover to assist ratio is outside the top 100.