The Florida Gators are the defending national champions, marking the first time in two years that a team other than UConn has won the title. Despite their championship win, Florida is facing the loss of several key players due to graduation. Walter Clayton, Alijah Martin, and Will Richardson have all exhausted their eligibility, meaning the Gators will need to find replacements.
However, Clayton left Gator fans with a powerful message that should fire them up for next season. As the heart and soul of last year’s team, his parting words carried weight.
“I’m a real Florida boy so I know what it means… Gator boys stay hot, and it’s gonna continue,” Clayton said.
Florida is aiming to repeat as national champions—something they accomplished the last time they won it all. Some believe they can do it again.
“The expectation now is to go back-to-back… They went back-to-back in ’06-’07. Why wouldn’t they think they’re gonna run the table again?” said Isis Young.
Head coach Todd Golden has added a proven scorer in Xavian Lee via the transfer portal. After Lee’s commitment, Denzel Aberdeen transferred out, leaving the Gators in need of another guard. Florida may be looking to make a major move by using a reported $7 million offer to lure Boogie Fland away from the NBA Draft.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“If the star point guard decides to return to college, Florida may already have sunk their claws into him. And the price tag, according to Bo Mattingly of The Chuck & Bo Show, could top out at around $7 million,” Austin Farmer wrote.
Fland entered the transfer portal just before the window closed and may now be in line for a massive payday to play in Gainesville. A backcourt featuring Lee and Fland would be a nightmare for opposing teams, especially when combined with Florida’s dangerous frontcourt.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
