Gator Men’s Basketball Preview

The 2012-2013 Gator basketball season started to get underway this week as head coach Billy Donovan took the podium for Media Day.  This Gator team has a lot of new faces on it, welcoming in four freshmen and three transfers. Billy D has been coaching at Florida for 16 years now, and he says that every year is a new opportunity.

One of the big changes between this year and last is the departure of shooting guard/small forward Brad Beal, who left in the NBA Draft, and point guard Erving Walker, who graduated.  Donovan says that because those guys left, they’ll have to make some changes on offense.

One of the big parts of that plan is forward Eric Murphy, who Donovan feels is starting to take on some more responsibility.

Donovan went on to say that Murphy has improved his post game over the off season, and looks to add that to his offensive skill set.

Overall, Donovan has been impressed with the freshman and how they have handled the increased workload.  He says the Gators as a whole are putting in a good effort, but it’s early.

Practices continue until Florida plays an exhibition game on November 1.