The Florida Gators men’s basketball team, off to a blistering 9-0 start and now ranked ninth in the AP Poll, faces a challenge on Saturday against Arizona State.
Head coach Todd Golden views the top-10 ranking as validation of the program’s progress but emphasizes that the team’s journey is far from over.
Florida Basketball: Keep it going
Golden spoke to reporters ahead of their game against Arizona State and hopes the Gators can keep the early season momentum going.
“Obviously a great honor,” Golden said about the ranking. “But all that can change based on the result Saturday. We’re still very hungry and determined to keep rising.”
Coming off a 10-day break, Golden believes the time off was crucial for recovery after a demanding start to the season. “It came at a good time for us. We did a good job letting the guys take some time off to recharge,” he noted.
Arizona State, led by head coach Bobby Hurley, boasts a roster blending talented freshmen like Jayden Quaintance and Malachi Sanon with seasoned veterans. Golden praised their balance and depth. “They’re really well connected on the floor and probably the best team we’ve played to this point. We’ve got to play well to beat them,” he said.
Defensively, the Gators will need to slow down the Sun Devils, who are shooting 39% from beyond the arc, led by sharpshooters like Sanon and LSU transfer Adam Miller. “I’ll be really upset if they make a lot of 3s,” Golden admitted, highlighting the importance of guarding the perimeter.
For Florida, controlling the paint and maintaining composure will be key. Golden expressed confidence in his team’s maturity and ability to adapt. “This team has done a good job being consistent,” he said. “But the second you take it for granted, it goes away.”
Saturday’s game promises to be a litmus test for the Gators, whose aspirations extend well beyond their hot start. As Golden put it: “Being 9-0 and top 10 is nice, but it’s not the end game.”