Oct 18, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators head coach Mike White answers questions from members of the media during SEC Media Day at the Omni Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Mike White Preparing for Championship Run in 2018-2019

The Florida Gators are looking to shake off the demons from last year. After going home in the NCAA March Madness round of 32, this year will have a focus on revenge for head coach Mike White.

How the Team’s Looking

Many questions surround the team heading into this season following the loss of Chris Chiozza and Egor Koulechov. Following the 2018 NBA Draft, both stars are on their way to the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively, in the Summer League.

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With the two players gone, White is eager to welcome in the new crop of Gators to town. White is also happy with the academic progress and health of the team overall in the first half of summer.

The Gators would finish the season with a 21-13 record overall, and 11-7 in the SEC. The team also looked impressive at home, boasting a 12-5 record in the O’Connell Center. A big part of the team’s success would come from guard Jalen Hudson. Hudson averaged 15.5 points-per-game and 3.9 rebounds-per-game and made headlines earlier in the summer.

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Hudson would announce that he is returning to Florida after withdrawing his name from the 2018 NBA Draft. White said that while he does not know where the players would have been drafted and when, he believes that Hudson is ready to make noise in this upcoming basketball season.

Hudson’s return is a big factor that will come into play for Florida, but White has an even bigger hope for the offseason: Staying healthy. White admits that he has a small amount of trepidation every time there is physical contact on the court to get the ball for a big play.

Despite two of the foundations going off to the NBA to pursue their professional careers, the status of the team remains optimistic. White and the team will be looking to put Florida Gators men’s basketball right back on the map.

Season Starter Information

The 2018-2019 basketball season will open up for Florida against an old foe.

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The Gators will battle the Florida State Seminoles at Tallahassee on Nov. 6, with a time coming soon. Finally, for more on the upcoming season, stick with ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF as more news develops.

About Stephen Cabrera

Stephen Cabrera is a current University of Florida Journalism student and fan of football, basketball, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling.

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