Florida coach Billy Donovan set some simple goals for junior center Patric Young before the season began.
The goals for Young included rebounding, getting fast break points by running the floor and scoring down low by establishing deep position in the post.
Through three games this season, the 6-foot-9 Young is averaging 9.7 points and 7.0 rebounds with six blocked shots.
“Pat has been maybe up and down in those areas,” Donovan said. “I would like to have seen him rebound the basketball better (against Middle Tennessee State). Two rebounds in 24 minutes. He did get taken out of the game flow wise picking up his second foul.”
Donovan has been pleased with Young’s ability to run the floor this season and push through fatigue.
“His stamina has gotten better,” Donovan said. “I think his motor has gotten better. I think his energy has gotten better. He’s trying to push himself.”
Much was expected of Young before the season. He was named to both the Wooden Award and Naismith Award lists, which generally recognizes the top 50 college basketball players each preseason.
“If he can continue to chase balls on the backboard, and just get deep post position he’s going to be a really, really effective offensive player for us and he’s going to be a very effective defensive rebounder for us,” Donovan said. “That’s where he has to constantly understand angles, he’s got to understand how to go offensive rebound, maybe I can’t go through a guy but I can go around a guy.”
