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Florida steps into the 2024-25 season looking to bounce back from their first-round ouster in the NCAA Tournament. Third-year coach Todd Golden assembled a competitive squad that could eclipse the Gators' record this past season.
Here's a closer look into Florida's 2024-25 college basketball season, its biggest games and key players to watch out for.
Florida's biggest games in the 2024-25 season
Florida will have a loaded 2024-25 NCAA men's basketball schedule that features games against North Carolina, Virginia, Florida State, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Arkansas.
The Gators visit the Seminoles on Nov. 15. This is the 76th time both teams collide in an official game, and Florida is ahead in its head-to-head, 46-29.
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The Todd Golden-coached squad will take on Virginia on Dec. 4 as part of the SEC-ACC Challenge. The two teams are tied 2-2 in their all-time series.
Up next for Florida is another ACC foe North Carolina on Dec. 17. This is the seventh meeting between the two teams and the Tar Heels are ahead 4-2 in their series. They conclude their non-conference schedule against Stetson on Dec. 29.
Florida will open their matches against SEC teams in January. The conference hasn't announced their full schedule, but the Gators will play Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee twice this season.
They play at home against Ole Miss, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt and visit Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU and Mississippi State.
Last year, Florida finished the SEC regular season in sixth place with an 11-7 record.
Key Florida players to watch out for in the 2024-25 season
Fourteen players will represent Florida in the 2024-25 NCAA men's basketball season.
The team is composed of nine holdovers, three freshmen and two transferees, who are determined to bring the Gators back to the NCAA Tournament this coming season.
#1 Walter Clayton Jr.
Walter Clayton Jr returns to Florida after leading the team's offense this past season. The six-foot-two Iona transfer averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Clayton shot 43.2% from the field and 87.7% from the free-throw line in 36 games played in the 2023-24 season.
#2 Will Richard
Will Richard showed solid form this past season in his second year with Florida. The six-four incoming senior tallied 11.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg and 0.9 spg in 36 games.
Richard hopes to improve on his shooting percentage this coming season as his numbers were down from 49.3% (2022-23) to 41.1% (2023-24).
#3 Alijah Martin
Alijah Martin was one of the key components in Florida Atlantic's run in the last two NCAA tournaments. Last season, he averaged 13.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 34 games.
Martin is expected to provide solid contributions for Florida in its hopes to secure securing their third national title and first since 2007.
Florida's predictions for the 2024-25 season
Florida will be one of the teams to watch out for in the SEC due to its solid core and excellent pickups from the transfer portal and high school recruitment.
The Gators will be up in the team standings this season, and barring any mishaps, they should win at least 25 games in the regular season and make the NCAA Tournament.
Will Florida win 25 games this coming season? Let's know your views in the comments section:
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