Mar 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Amanda Butler talks to her team during a timeout in the third quarter during the women's SEC basketball tournament at Jacksonville Memorial Veterans Arena. Kentucky won 92-69. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Gator Women’s Basketball Preview

With the new season approaching fast, the Gator women’s basketball team will look to continue last season’s success, finishing (22-9). The Gators season was cut short after blowing a 17-point lead to the Albany Great Danes, losing 61-59 in the first round of tournament play. Florida will try and establish their same defensive presence, despite the ACL injury to Simone Westbrook, who helped lead the way. The Gators ranked in the top seven in steals, steals per game and turnovers forced last season.

Roster Additions

The Gators did some rebuilding in the off season—after losing players to graduation—adding five incoming freshman who can contribute to the Gators style of play right away. Senior guard, Ronnie Williams will also be back for her final season of collegiate basketball. Williams was a top-ranked prospect in the state of Florida for the 2012-13 signing class and ranked No. 13 overall in the country by ESPN. Williams lived up to the Gators expectations by leading the team in scoring the last two seasons with 10.3 points per game in 2014-15 and 11.1 in 2015-16.

The Gators officially began practice Monday at 6 a.m. working on defensive techniques. They ran their first offensive practice Tuesday.

Head Coach, Amanda Butler haven’t put last season’s disappointing ending behind. In fact she uses it as a rebuilding technique in hopes of elevating the team to the next level.

First Game

The Gators will play their first game Nov. 11 against South Alabama in Jacksonville, FL at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Tip off will begin at 5 p.m.

About Anthony Williams

Telecommunications Student at the University of Florida WUFT Reporter Blogger

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