Some observations following Florida’s 76-56 win over Richmond:
– Lost in Florida’s physical domination over Richmond was its improved decision-making with the ball as well. The Gators finished with 19 assists to 10 turnovers against the Spiders. Considering Florida had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 8 to 19 in its season opener at Navy, and it shows how much progress the Gators have made adapting to new coach Mike White’s offense, which allows more freedom to drive off the dribble. UF’s assist-to-turnover ratio is 53-31 over its last four games. “We’re playing with a little bit better of a pace offensively,” White said. “We’re finding an identity in more secondary (fast break) type stuff, not necessarily hitting home runs or grand slams on the break, but letting things develop. We’re in a better rhythm that way in making better decisions with the basketball in our hands, especially in transition.”
– Sophomore forward Devin Robinson credits a different mindset for his improved rebounding ability. The 6-foot-8 Robinson posted his third double-double in seven games this season with a 12-point, 13-rebound effort against Richmond. “They just tell me, go crash the boards, every night,” Robinson said. “I mean I have a nice vertical, I’m athletic, so I’m supposed to be getting rebounds. They tell me to go every single time.”
– Through seven games, the best 3-point shooters on the team from a percentage standpoint are Chris Chiozza (9-19, 47.4 percent), Dorian Finney-Smith (15-42, 35.7 percent) and KeVaugn Allen (6-26, 23.1 percent). That’s the trio that should be taking the bulk of the 3s for the Gators moving forward. Florida set up a nice in bounds play late in the first half that set up an open corner 3-point attempt that Chiozza knocked down. Listed at 6 feet (but more likely 5-10), Chiozza needs to create space to get his shot off, but if former 5-8 Gator guard Erving Walker is capable of stepping back and making 3s, Chiozza should be able to do the same.
