Florida Basketball poised for defensive leap in 2024-25 season

As the Florida Gators men's basketball team prepare for the 2024-25 season, third-year head coach Todd Golden is setting his sights on elevating the program. With their season opener against USF on November 4th in Jacksonville, Golden met with the media to discuss the team's progress, key players, and areas for improvement.

The Gators are coming off a impressive 24-12 season, their best record in seven years, which culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance. While the first-round exit was disappointing, it provided valuable experience for a team that's retaining much of its core. Golden emphasized the importance of continuity, noting that familiar faces like Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard are back for another year – a rarity in today's college basketball landscape.

"People are excited about the growth of our team from years one to two, and the fact that we added some good pieces," Golden said. "The continuity piece is really exciting to a lot of people in this day and age."

While the Gators boasted a top-15 offense last season, their defense lagged behind. Golden made it clear that improving on that end of the floor is the team's top priority.

"Clearly, we need to get better on the defensive side of the ball. That was our Achilles heel last year," Golden admitted. He outlined three specific areas for improvement:

• Two-point field goal percentage defense and rim protection
• Ball-screen defense
• Defending without fouling

Golden believes addressing these issues will propel Florida into the upper echelon of SEC teams.

"Our goal is to become a top-four team in this league consistently," he stated, acknowledging the challenge but setting a clear benchmark for success.

Key Players to Watch

Walter Clayton Jr.: The junior guard is transitioning to a more prominent point guard role this season. Golden praised Clayton's leadership and consistency, emphasizing that he wants Clayton to remain an aggressive scorer while facilitating for others.

Will Richard: Entering his third year in the SEC, Richard is expected to take another leap forward. Golden highlighted Richard's improved physique and explosiveness, projecting an increase in his three-point shooting percentage.

Alijah Martin: A transfer addition, Martin brings elite energy and competitiveness to the wing position. Golden expects him to address some of the team's inconsistencies on the perimeter last season.

Rueben Hallum: Another transfer, Hallum's impressive stats from last season (top-20 in several categories) excite the coaching staff. The key for Hallum will be staying on the floor by avoiding foul trouble.

Isaiah Brown: The freshman guard has impressed early, with Golden noting, "You can put him in a game tomorrow, and you feel like, even as a freshman, he's gonna be fine."

Golden emphasized three key attributes that define this year's squad: maturity, competitiveness, and unselfishness. The coach believes these traits form the foundation of a successful program and will help the Gators navigate a challenging non-conference schedule that includes matchups against Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida State.

The retention of key players and staff continuity (including assistant coach Taurean Green) has Golden feeling confident about the program's direction. "The longer you are somewhere, the more confident you get in your processes," he explained.

Looking Ahead

As practices intensify and the season approaches, there's a sense of excitement surrounding Florida basketball. The combination of returning talent, impactful transfers, and a renewed focus on defense has the Gators poised for a breakout year in the SEC.

If Golden can successfully implement his defensive improvements while maintaining last year's offensive prowess, Florida could very well find itself not just in the NCAA Tournament again, but making a deep run come March.