Florida Basketball enters 2024/25 with expectations far higher than previous years

It feels crazy that Florida Basketball hasn't entered a season ranked in the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll since October of 2019. Worse, Florida hasn't ended a season ranked since April of 2018.

That 2019/2020 season didn't go well for Florida as they took an immediate nose dive out of the polls. Todd Golden and crew are hoping for a better fate in 2024/25 as they entered the season ranked in the preseason poll for the first time in five seasons.

Florida Basketball: The Bar Doesn't Move

The Gators are ranked 21st in the AP Preseason Top 25 poll. In addition, they were picked 6th in the preseason Media Poll, behind Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas A&M.

The reality for Florida entering the 2024/25 campaign is that even if they ended the year "21st," it still wouldn't be a step forward for a team that hasn't been to the Sweet 16 since 2017 when they made it to the Elite Eight.

Last season, Florida made the NCAA Tournament after missing it the previous two seasons but was bounced by Colorado in the first round.

Notably returning for the Gators are Walter Clayton and Alex Condon, both of whom also picked up All-SEC Preseason Honors, but as is life in college basketball, a good chunk of Florida's roster is composed of players they picked up in the transfer portal.

Florida Atlantic guard Alijah Martin, Chattanooga forward Sam Alexis, and Washington State center Rueben Chinyelu all transferred to Florida in the offseason and are expected to play big minutes for Golden and crew.

Condon and Chinyelu represent a convoy of big men Florida has on the roster, as the Gators have five players listed as at least 6'10" or taller. Florida used their size to their advantage last year and was one of the best offensive-rebounding teams in the country, collecting 36.4% of their own misses.

Florida opens their season on November 4th against USF.