More from Florida’s basketball redemption over FSU at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
* Florida coach Billy Donovan said he chose to stick with his younger frontcourt players over Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus down the stretch because they were performing well on the defensive end. “I thought when they were in there, we were able to pad the lead a little bit,” Donovan said. After Tyus and Macklin checked out with Florida up 30-26 early in the second half, the Gators responded with an 11-2 run.
* Sophomore forward Erik Murphy has emerged as one of UF’s most productive frontcourt players per minute this season. In 15.2 minutes per game, Murphy is averaging 8.2 points and 3.3 rebounds with a team-high eight blocked shots. “I’m proud of him,” Donovan said. “I’m trying to find ways to get him more minutes. I think us going to zone in the second half really helped him. He was able to do a good job defending and rebounding his area.”
Erik Murphy is an absolute animal, he has improved so much already. Tyus and Macklin need to step up, I rather see Murphy and Young play, they are hustling and just outplaying the two seniors. I always loved Murphy.
If the young guys have the fire, play the young guys.
Let them learn on the job before the SEC schedule starts. And maybe a little pine time will light a fire under the seniors as well.
More Murphy and Young.
Less Tyus and Macklin.
More shots for Walker.
Otherwise, a very mediocre season – third or fourth in their division.
Tyus has the tools to be very good player but at times has been very lethargic especially on the offensive end. UF looked really good on defense with Murphy, Young, and Yeguette playing together. When Walker got rattled in the second half, it was also nice to see Wilbekin provide some stability while Walker collected himself on the bench. Wilbekin has looked very good running things at times this season. The future looks bright with these guys and Rosario and Brad Beal coming in next year. We really need some shooters to emerge this year though. Murphy and Prather actually looked pretty good shooting the 3 against FSU.