Florida Gators Men’s Basketball 2024-2025 Non-Conference Schedule Takes Shape

The Florida Gators men's basketball team is gearing up for the 2024-2025 season with a promising non-conference schedule. A notable addition is a game against Arizona State on December 14 at the State Farm Center in Atlanta, as reported by CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein. This upcoming game will mark the third matchup between Florida and Arizona State. The Gators have emerged victorious in the previous two meetings, first in 1984 with an 87-73 win and again in 2008 with a 70-57 victory.

In addition to the Arizona State game, the Gators are set to participate in the ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando on November 28-29. While their opponent is yet to be determined, potential matchups include Minnesota, Wake Forest, and Wichita State. Florida will also host Virginia on December 4 as part of the ACC-SEC Challenge. This challenge, which replaced the SEC-Big 12 Challenge after the 2022-2023 season, will be in its second year. Last season, Florida fell to Wake Forest with a score of 82-71.

The SEC schedule for Florida is shaping up, though dates have not been finalized. Home-only games will feature matchups against Oklahoma, Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. Away-only games include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, and Mississippi State. Additionally, the Gators will both host and travel to face Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Following a runner-up finish in the SEC Tournament and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season, the Gators have high expectations for the 2024-2025 season. Despite losing guard Zyon Pullin and forward Tyrese Samuel to eligibility and forward Micah Handlogten to injury, the team has bolstered its roster with key transfers: guard Alijah Martin, forward Sam Alexis, and forward Reuben Chinyelu. Returning stars include guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, who initially declared for the NBA Draft but chose to return. Rising sophomores Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are also expected to take on bigger roles this season.

The Gators are currently ranked inside ESPN's way-too-early top-25 and hold the No. 18 spot in Jon Rothstein's top-45 rankings. With a strong schedule and a talented roster, Florida is poised for an exciting and competitive season.