Frontcourt key for Gators

Florida’s projected starting frontcourt this season includes an unknown transfer from Georgetown, a player who almost left the program and the last link to UF’s championship years.

But the frontline could also hold the key to UF’s fortunes this season. In assessing his team’s failure to make the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons, coach Billy Donovan noted his team’s 3-12 record during that span against Top 50 RPI teams. In the 15 games, Donovan found out his team was badly outrebounded and gave up too high of a field goal percentage.

“I do feel like (with) our depth in our frontcourt, hopefully that’s an area we can get better,” Donovan said during UF’s Media Day.

The addition of junior center Vernon Macklin, a transfer from Georgetown, could help. The 6-foot-10, 240 pound Macklin is either the second coming of Patrick Ewing or the second coming of Grady Mateen, depending on who you talk to.

“There is no question that physically Vernon gives us a presence inside,” Donovan said. “I do think he has to get better rebounding the ball, he has to get better chasing the ball. Vernon, when he is fresh is a tremendous runner, he’s a very good shot-blocker. He’s not guy who handles fatigue really well, although I believe he’s in much better shape than he was a year ago.”

Macklin’s addition allows 6-8, 220-pound junior Alex Tyus to slide from center to power forward and 6-8, 230-pound Dan Werner to slide to small forward.

“I’m really excited that he gets to play this year and I think our whole team is,” Tyus said of Macklin. “I think it is going to be a huge difference.

“It takes a lot of pressure off all of our guys. Last year, whenever I was in foul trouble, Dan had to guard big guys. Vern this year will be able to guard other guys more his size, more his strength. A lot of mismatch problems now. Vern can run too so we will still have a fast-paced game. I don’t think we’re going to be losing anything, it’s going to be a big gain.”

Macklin, a former McDonald’s All-American, acknowledged he had effort problems in practice last season when he had to sit out due to NCAA rules. “That was kind of my fault,” he said. “I really came in some days and felt like I was working for nothing.”

Tyus, too, appears rejuvenated, after threatening to transfer last April. After a week of reflection, Tyus asked Donovan if he could return to the team.

“It’s a matter of not knowing what you have until it’s gone,” Tyus said.

Last year, with Tyus, Werner and Chandler Parsons starting up front, Florida finished last in the Southeastern Conference in rebounding and last in blocked shots. Parsons will probably move to the bench this season, joining sophomore center Kenny Kadji (6-10, 248 pounds) and freshman Erik Murphy (6-9, 217) in a capable second string. Donovan said he is still seeking more consistency from Kadji, who showed flashes of promise last season.

At small forward, Werner is going back to the position he played as a freshman in 2007, when Florida won the second of back-to-back national titles.

“I think I’ll be playing between the 3 (small forward) and the 4 (power forward),” Werner said. “But whenever you are on the court, it’s good. It doesn’t matter what the position.”

FREE THROWS: Donovan said he expects the decision on whether the NCAA will clear Israeli freshman point guard Nimrod Tishman to come “well before” UF’s season opener Nov. 15 against Stetson. Tishman, who was not made available on media day, is able to practice but can’t play until he’s cleared. ... Sophomore guard Adam Allen (knee) has been cleared for light jogging but will not take part in today’s first practice. Allen acknowledged his career is in jeopardy after a pair of surgeries on his right knee. “It’s not the end of the world if I can’t play again,” Allen said. “ I’m disappointed about it. My family is disappointed but they know I’m getting a good education.”