Kentucky is a basketball state. Â Florida is a football state. Â Billy Donovan proved Florida could be both within the last decade, and can do it again. Â But he needs this group of Gators to come through for him.
Last year Florida was bounced out of the Elite 8 in overtime by Butler. Â An opportunity missed for certain. Â This year, he has the Gators back in the Sweet 16. Â The path isn’t as clear this year, but it is certainly doable.
Florida is capable of beating Marquette, and then either Michigan State or Louisville. Â If Donovan has hopes of winning another national title, heck another SEC title, the time to strike is now.
Back to Kentucky. Â The Wildcats are the overwhelming favorite to get to a second straight Final Four, and this time cut down the nets on the final Monday night. Â Coach John Calipari has everything you could want in a program. Â Money, fans, and talent that flows in year after year with no end in sight. Â They’ve gotten close to the summit the last two seasons, and look ready to cash in this year.
Back to Florida. Â The Gators got a stud recruit in Brad Beal. Â Unfortunately, like UK’s studs, he looks like he’ll be one-n-done. Â But unlike UK, Florida doesn’t have a pipeline of future NBA’ers lined up to replace him. Â Right now the Gators have three recruits committed, but only one that ranks in the top 100.
That brings me to my point. Â Donovan and the Gators will be good moving forward even if they lose tonight. Â He can coach, and the program is a solid one. Â But two more Florida wins and a Final Four appearance would go a long way to changing how good next year’s recruiting class will be.
The perceived direction and success of a program is fragile. Â 3 years ago, North Carolina has just polished off their 2nd title in 4 years and looked to be the dominant team in the country, the ACC, and most importantly, on tobacco road. Â Then Duke pulled off an unlikely title run where they faced upset winners like West Virginia (beat #1 UK) and Butler (you know that story) instead of some of the better, more powerful teams. Â If you don’t think that helped them land Kyrie Irving and Austin Rivers then you’re crazy.
If Kentucky goes onto win a title this year, and Florida isn’t anywhere near New Orleans and the Final Four, then they will appear further away than ever. Â But if Florida battles the Wildcats tough in the Final Four, or somehow even beats them, then the immediate future of Florida basketball changes dramatically.
It’s not all or nothing. Â I do think it could be the difference in being real good again, or being a potential title contender.
