Florida Gators Basketball: Who Stepped Up Against Miami?
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team secured a massive 65-56 victory over the rival Miami Hurricanes. Who stepped up during the signature win?
Nov 24, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Mike White talks wth guard Kasey Hill (0) against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second half at HP Field House. Florida Gators defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 81-76. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Florida Gators entered the AdvoCare Invitational with an opportunity to pick up multiple resume-building victories. That’s exactly what Mike White and the Gators did, with the first of two wins coming against the Seton Hall Pirates.
On Sunday, November 27, the Gators were able to round out that successful tenure against the rival Miami Hurricanes.
Florida found its rhythm in the second half and secured a 65-56 victory over an in-state rival. It was a much-needed win for a school that was less than 24 hours removed from the loss to the Seminoles.
A win against the Hurricanes isn’t quite as significant, but it’s still a favorable result against a team Florida needed to defeat.
With its win over Miami, the Gators improve to 6-1 on the season. Perhaps more importantly, it now has three victories over teams that made the NCAA Tournament, two over teams that made the NIT, and one over a team that made the CIT.
The question is: who stepped up for the Florida Gators during the 65-56 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at the AdvoCare Invitational?
Nov 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Kevin Mickle (10) defends Florida Gators guard KeVaughn Allen (5) in the second half at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Florida Gators 80-59. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
KeVaughn Allen
Little was more appealing about this game than the energy KeVaughn Allen displayed on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a notably prolific scorer, but his defensive intensity helped set the tone for Florida against its in-state rivals.
The Florida Gators have the talent to be one of the best defensive teams in the country, and the primary scoring option committing to that will be the key.
Allen finished with nine points, two rebounds, one assist, and a steal in his 24 minutes of court time against the Hurricanes. He shot 4-of-11 from the field and went 1-of-3 from beyond the arc in what was a quality display of his scoring proficiency.
With Florida in need of a big performance, Allen stepped up offensively in the first half and defensively the whole way.
Allen scored all nine of his points in the first 20 minutes, but that isn’t something to hold against him. Though his shot went cold in the second half, his nine first-half points were vital to Florida jumping out to a lead.
Allen didn’t shoot especially well, but he remained confident in his shot and didn’t shy away from attacking the rack. That’s progress.
Nov 24, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Florida Gators center John Egbunu (15) blocks Seton Hall Pirates forward Ismael Sanogo (14) shot during the second half at HP Field House. Florida Gators defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 81-76. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
John Egbunu
John Egbunu started the game on a defensive tear and ended it with explosive offense. It was a perfect balance that helped Florida contain the Miami Hurricanes’ offense and find holes in its defense during critical stretches.
In his third and final appearance at the AdvoCare Invitational, Egbunu continued to anchor the Gators’ defensive interior and step up offensively.
Egbunu finished with seven points, four rebounds, one offensive board, and four blocks in 28 minutes. He shot 3-of-6 from the field and 1-of-4 from the free throw line in what was a valiant performance down low.
Egbunu scored six of his second points in the final 5:05, including four points during the final 2:34 to help close out the Hurricanes.
Egbunu has solidified his place as one of the most reliable contributors on the Gators’ roster. His size, strength, length, and explosive leaping ability have enabled him to become one of the preeminent shot-blocking forces during the early season.
The Gators play excellent team defense and Egbunu’s presence in the paint is the catalyst to the success of the team.
Nov 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Kasey Hill (0) talks with the media following a game against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Florida Gators 80-59. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Kasey Hill
The Florida Gators have been waiting on Kasey Hill to emerge as a star since he arrived on campus in 2013. There have been times he’s looked the part—specifically the final games of the 2015-16 campaign—but he’s yet to put it all together.
Against the rival Miami Hurricanes, Hill did what he’s begun to make a habit out of by rising to the occasion with a strong performance.
Hill played aggressive early, making plays in transition and taking his man off the bounce in the half court. He recorded 16 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals on 4-of-7 shooting from the field and an 8-of-10 mark from the free throw line.
Hill’s key offensive contributions were made during the second half, when Florida’s offense went stagnant and he helped end a scoring drought.
Hill has been somewhat underwhelming during his Gators career, but he stepped up against Miami. He scored nine points in the second half, including four points during the final 3:18 and six in the final 10 minutes.
Hill may or may not break his overall inconsistency, but he played exceptionally well against the rival Hurricanes with a great showing at the free throw line.
Nov 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators forward Devin Robinson (1) looks to pass the ball in the first half as Florida Gulf Coast Eagles guard Christian Terrell (11) defends at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Robinson
The Florida Gators have an intriguing amount of talent, but there are few players who are currently on the 2017 NBA Draft radar. The player with the best shot at being drafted—as of November, of course—is Devin Robinson.
Against the Miami Hurricanes, Robinson showed exactly why it is that NBA scouts are so high on his potential.
Robinson recorded 10 points, five rebounds, one offensive board, one assist, three blocks, and two steals in 30 minutes. He shot 5-of-9 from the field, converting in a variety of ways, including an impressive second jump into a hook shot off of an offensive rebound.
Robinson’s ability to score in a variety of ways, as well as his physical profile and defensive versatility, are why he’s such a hot commodity.
Robinson has the unique ability to defend multiple positions and play multiple roles. He can help protect the rim, switch on the pick and roll, crash the boards, and create havoc with his ability to pressure ball-handlers.
Robinson may not average 20 points per game in 2016-17, but he’s tapping into the potential to become one of the best defensive players in the country.
Keith Stone
Entering the clash with the Miami Hurricanes, freshman forward Keith Stone had six points in six games. Stone surpassed his career-high in scoring during the first half of the Florida Gators’ rivalry game at the AdvoCare Invitational.
With an impressive showing on offense and infectious defensive intensity, Stone helped lead the Gators to victory with his all-around game.
Stone picked up a pair of career-highs with 15 points and eight rebounds during his career-high 25 minutes of playing time. He added another career-high with four offensive boards, blocked a shot, and picked up a steal in what was a very strong two-way performance.
Stone shot exceptionally well with shooting marks of 5-of-7 from the field, 2-of-2 from 3-point range, and 3-of-4 at the free throw line.
Stone lost weight and replaced fat with muscle prior to the 2016-17 college basketball season. The results were on display against Miami, as he out-muscled opponents down low and moved fluidly along the perimeter.
It’s only one game, but Stone had a very solid showing in a rivalry game with pride on the line and Gainesville reeling from the football team’s loss to Florida State.
If Stone can build upon this excellent showing in Orlando, then the Gators could build upon this 6-1 start and turn it into something special.
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