Some observations following UF’s 76-34 win over Savannah State:
– Florida has defended at a high level over its last two games, holding Fresno State and Savannah State to an average of 41.5 points per game. But the Gators have had an overwhelming physical mismatch in terms of size and strength in both games (Savannah State started a freshman guard, Whitley Carter, who was listed at 5-foot-9 and 140 pounds). A better test to UF’s defense could come this Saturday against a Richmond team with a more conventional starting frontline.
– Florida senior point guard Scottie Wilbekin needs to spread the wealth. Wilbekin had just one assist against Savannah State and seven over his last three games. Wilbekin was second in the Southeastern Conference in assists (5.0) last season and is effective setting up plays off pick and rolls. But after dishing 23 assists in his first four games this season. Wilbekin has been unable to consistently find others off the dribble of late.
– Florida is settling into a nice eight-player rotation that will extend to nine players if and when freshman forward Chris Walker is eligible . Walker could provide a huge boost as a fifth player in a current frontcourt rotation that includes Patric Young, Will Yeguete, Casey Prather and Dorian Finney-Smith. There should be enough minutes to go around, especially considering Young and Yeguete are prone to getting into foul trouble from time to time.
