College Basketball Preview: 11. Florida Gators

A Top 100 recruit last year Prather could start without Alex Tyus, Chandler Parsons or Vernon Macklin.

11. Florida Gators Key Returnees: G Kenny Boynton, G Erving Walker, F/C Patric Young
G Erving Walker- Senior
G Kenny Boynton- Junior
F Casey Prather- Sophomore
F Will Yeguete- Sophomore
C Patric Young- Sophomore
Sixth- Bradley Beal- Freshman
Top Recruit: Bradley Beal
You might be keen to forget the big year that Florida had last season. After a rough start the Gators went 13-3 in the SEC and pulled up all the way to the Elite Eight. Sure the Gators lost three starters in the frontcourt but the backcourt might be the best in the nation. Senior Erving Walker is experienced and has a good shot and can play defense well while Kenny Boynton is explosive and tough to guard. Both have a chance at being All-SEC picks. Billy Donavan gained a true talent when he convinced Bradley Beal to come to Florida. Beal is thought of as the number two ranked incoming guard behind Austin Rivers. Also brought in is Mike Rosario the former Rutgers star who averaged 16.7 points per game for the Scarlet Knights during the 2009-2010 season. The frontcourt has some issues but also has a star in the making in Patric Young. He is a blocking machine as he led Florida with 31 blocks last year despite being sixth in minutes and has a real chance to produce this year. Casey Prather was a Top 100 recruit last year and may get a chance to start this year. The power forward position is an issue with the offseason arrest of Erik Murphy which means bruiser Will Yeguete may start.
Bottom Line: The Gators backcourt will be dominant and if the frontcourt can produce a second straight Elite Eight trip isn't impossible.