The dream season didn't start out as planned.
On November 8th, 2024, allegations against Todd Golden, including sexual harassment and stalking, came to the surface. Subsequently, the University of Florida launched a Title IX investigation into Golden's actions, finally putting the 39-year-old into the spotlight- unfortunately for the wrong reasons.
Since that low point, Golden and the Gators have bounced back in a way that we haven't seen before. Golden led his team to an undefeated start in nonconference play that included marquee wins over North Carolina, Arizona State, and rival Florida State. Less than one month into SEC play, Golden was officially cleared of the allegations by the University of Florida. Florida has won all but one game since the announcement, a loss in Knoxville to sixth-ranked Tennessee.
The Gators now sit in second place in the SEC conference, and are currently projected as a one-seed, according to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi.
As accolades continue to stack up, Golden is getting national recognition that is a reminder of what has always been possible in Gainesville.
The should be Coach of the Year
There's an abundance of qualified candidates to contend for the Naismith College Coach of the Year award. Dennis Gates of Missouri has brought the Tigers to one of the best in the SEC after being unable to win a singular conference game the year prior. Pat Kelsey of Louisville has almost assuredly brought Louisville back to the NCAA Tournament, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2019. Bruce Pearl of Auburn has led one of the most dominant teams in college basketball history following an embarrassing first-round loss to Yale in last year's NCAA Tournament.
All of these coaches have proven themselves to be among the best in America.
But they haven't done what Golden's done.
Transfer wizard
Todd Golden has continuously proven to be an excellent utilizer of the NCAA Transfer Portal. Heading into his second year with the Gators, Golden realized that he needed to supplement the talent he already had on the team- in a big way.
He did just that.
Golden went and added guard Walter Clayton Jr., center Tyrese Samuel, center Micah Handlogten, and guard Zyon Pullin. Forward EJ Jarvis was also added through the portal, however he chose to retire from basketball shortly before the season's start.
Every addition (that ended up suiting up for the Gators) worked out wonderfully. Pullin earned first-team All-SEC honors, while Clayton Jr. earned second-team All-SEC honors. Samuel and Handlogten also made tremendous impacts, particularly on the rebounding front, which was vital in securing Florida's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021.
The mission stayed the same during the past offseason, as the Gators successfully welcomed guard Alijah Martin, center Rueben Chinyelu, and forward Sam Alexis through the NCAA Transfer Portal, all of which have earned significant minutes this season.
The transfer portal is the clear future of college hoops- it's almost impossible to succeed without it. Todd Golden has proven not only how to effectively use the portal, but to mold his team.
The season to date
Putting the season mildly- it's been hectic. But Golden hasn't let it stop him. From attacks on his reputation to allegations against his staff. Golden has navigated the tide and led the Gators to one of the best starts in school history, all while competing against the greatest single-season conference of all time.
They fought through adversity. They have found ways to bounce back, every single time. But that point isn't only subject to the scoreboard. Golden and his staff were well aware of the struggles of Slovenian first-year Urban Klavžar, who fell short of expectations at the beginning of the season. Instead of fueling the fire, Golden and his staff kept Klavžar on track, regardless of the difficulties he faced adjusting to the American game. The resilience has paid dividends, as Klavžar now ranks as one of the best shooters in the nation
In late January, key staffer and former Florida guard Taurean Green was accused of sexual assault. News of this magnitude has the ability to derail a season, especially with an abundance of outside noise. Media outlets began to question the morals of Golden's program, which was now facing its second allegation of sexual misconduct.
The Gators didn't let the outside noise affect them. They went on to defeat Auburn and later climb to a ranking of second in the nation in the AP Poll.
Through it all, Todd Golden has never let the dialogue affect his team or his coaching. The Gators are hungry for a national championship. It takes a true leader to rally his team alike what Golden has done. The adversity never slowed them down.
And so if one thinks Gator fans were being dramatic the last decade while Florida was stuck in mediocrity, Golden is why Florida fans don't like settling.