Florida Basketball Tests Rotation Depth in Closed-Door Scrimmage
Last week, Thomas Haugh joked about growing tired of playing against his own teammates in practice. Last Wednesday, he finally got his wish.
Florida played a secret scrimmage against the University of North Florida on Nov. 21. While there wasn’t a score, the Gators took away many wins and losses.
“Both positives and negatives, but it’s a good reminder that Division I level players are good no matter where you at,” Florida coach Todd Golden said during team media availability on Friday. “Big picture-wise, good to be able to break down tape against somebody other than yourselves.”
The closed-door scrimmage offered a prime opportunity for the Gators to evaluate their bench before exhibition play begins Sunday. Golden noted that his reserves have performed well in training camp, specifically highlighting the progress of the Brown brothers, Urban Klavžar getting lean over the summer, and the addition of Domen Petrovic from Slovenia.
“A big part of why we had this first one being closed doors, [was] to experiment,” Golden said.
That reserve unit starts the reigning SEC Sixth Man of the Year with Klavžar, who averaged 9.6 points per game over the season and shot 40.6% from 3-point range. Klavžar worked over the summer leaning out, with the solidified role the Slovenian guard had established off the bench.
“I feel like I have more confidence than last year at the start of the year, but now I just know my spot,” Klavžar said during Friday’s availability. “I’m just really confident in myself.”
Klavžar is joined this season by familiar company in a fellow Slovenian. Petrovic, a 6-foot-9 big man who won a silver medal with Klavžar for the Slovenian national team at the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket, is expected to provide a blend of floor spacing and playmaking off the bench. Petrovic played last season in Slovenia for GGD Sencur, averaging 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 37% from three.
“I think he’s a really hard worker, I think he gives us a lot of space and a lot of great shooting as a big guy,” Klavžar said. “He shoots very well, and he likes to compete every day in practice and likes to win.”
The Gators also expect a major leap from the Brown brothers. Isaiah Brown made noticeable strides over the summer in Puerto Rico after emerging during conference play last year highlighted by a career high, 14 points against Vanderbilt. His brother, A.J., returns as well this season after missing all of last year due to a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder.
“I think the Brown brothers, specifically Isaiah, had a really good camp,” Golden said. “I don’t think he was at his best the other night, but big picture-wise he’s playing great, and I think he’ll continue to play at a higher level.”
For Isaiah, that comfort has been evident on the floor.
“I’m a lot more familiar with being on the court now than I was before; there’s still a lot more ways to go, never satisfied with where I’m at now,” Isaiah Brown said Friday.
While Isaiah provides steady two-way play, A.J.’s return, coupled with Petrovic’s stretch ability, gives Florida the perimeter spacing Golden relies on to unlock his primary scorers.
“The gravity that A.J. provides on the court showed up on Wednesday night, and some of our best players really benefit by floor spacers,” Golden said. “I think that’s what we call gravity; that’s the type of gravity that A.J and Domen can provide for us on a perimeter.”
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Men's Basketball
