Florida Basketball: Gators now have real pathway to make the Big Dance

Entering the week, prospects for Florida basketball to make were fleeting. In search of a signature win, Todd Golden’s squad pull off a big upset on Wednesday when they took down second ranked Tennessee.

By most projections the Florida Gators are still on the outside looking in, but destiny is now squarely in their own hands.

Florida Basketball: Bracketology

Joe Lunardi, everyone’s favorite Bracketology expert, released his new batch of projections following the big win over the Volunteers and while he doesn’t have the Gators in the field yet, he has them knocking on the doorstep.

Listed as the second team out, Florida basketball has moved up five spots from being the seventh team out in his projections.

And it is important to note that Lunardi’s projections are not necessarily what he personally believes should happen, it’s what he believes will happen.

That’s why tonight’s matchup against Kentucky is massive for the hopes of Florida basketball. The Wildcats are currently listed as one of the last teams in the field of 68. A win tonight by the Gators and it wouldn’t be hard to see Florida bumped up into the projected field.

Also, outside of Wednesday’s upcoming matchup against Alabama, there won’t be very many opportunities for the Gators to pick up a win the rest of the way against a team currently projected to make it.

Making the tournament in his first season would be an important building block for Todd Golden, but is by no means what Florida basketball needs to settle for long term. Mike White made the tournament (virtually) every year, and was capable of winning a game, but consistent second round exists led to discontent in Gainesville.

But missing the tournament all-together would be nothing short of a disappointment for Gator fans hoping that Golden would be an upgrade over White.

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