Gators hoops firmly in ESPN's too-early top 25 rankings

Florida basketball had a promising 2023-24 campaign that signaled a return to relevancy for the Gators hoops program. Todd Golden made huge strides with his roster during his second season in Gainesville and the momentum from those gains are continuing into next fall.

ESPN staff writer Jeff Borzello penned up his way-too-early rankings for the 2024-25 campaign and included the Orange and Blue among his top 25, placing UF at No. 21 overall. He explains his justification for the rankings rather succinctly.

“Florida struck gold in the portal last spring and reeled in three transfers this year. The Gators also have All-American candidate and one of the nation’s top scorers in Walter Clayton Jr., and Will Richard is a double-figure scorer.

“Former Florida Atlantic star Alijah Martin will slot in seamlessly. Todd Golden should have plenty of frontcourt options too: Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are back, while Sam Alexis (Chattanooga) and Rueben Chinyelu (Washington State) have arrived.”

Florida’s projected starting lineup

Walter Clayton Jr. (17.6 PPG)

Alijah Martin (13.1 PPG at Florida Atlantic)

Will Richard (11.4 PPG)

Alex Condon (7.7 PPG)

Reuben Chinyelu (4.7 PPG at Washington State)

Gators 2024-25 season opener

Florida will face the South Florida Bulls on Nov. 4 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, according to recent reports. The only officially announced game on Florida’s schedule is the Dec. 4 matchup with Virginia, which is part of the SEC-ACC Challenge.