Lots of Offense, Little Defense in First Gators Scrimmage

Redshirt freshman Keith Stone had 18 points and his team went unbeaten in Friday's first intrasquad scrimmage.

Lots of Offense, Little Defense in First Gators Scrimmage

Friday, October 14, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry

A trio of new guys -- transfers Jalen Hudson and Canyon Barry, plus redshirt freshman Keith Stone -- were the high-scorers Friday.

By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Basketballs were flying into the basket at an exciting and somewhat alarming rate during Friday afternoon's first "live" intrasquad scrimmage with officials of the Florida preseason.

Alarming, that is, because UF coach Mike White would have liked to have seen some stops, also.

"Offense is way ahead of defense right now," White said.

In four eight-minute games featuring different team combinations, the Gators unofficially shot a collective 61.3 percent from the floor, including a sizzling 20-for-34 from the 3-point line (58.8 percent) and made 16 of 21 free throws (76.2 percent).

Jalen Hudson, the transfer wing from Virginia Tech who will sit out this season per NCAA rules, scored 20 points, hitting eight of his 11 shots, including 4-for-6 from deep. Small forward Canyon Barry, the graduate transfer from College of Charleston who will be eligible this season, went 8-for-18, plus 4-for-7 from long range, and led all scorers with 21 points.

Redshirt freshman forward Keith Stone threw in 18 points on 6-for-10 from the floor and 2-for-3 from the arc. Senior forward Justin Leon had 17 points, nailing four of six 3-pointers
Stone and junior point guard Chris Chiozza (10 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 2-for-2 from deep) were on the winning team in all four games.

Junior center John Egbunu worked hard inside and was rewarded for his effort. White credited the perimeter players with doing a good job feeding the post, something that either didn't happen enough or happened too late in possessions last season. Egbunu put in six of his nine field-goal attempts, three of his four free throws, and grabbed a scrimmage-best seven rebounds.

"I liked our energy, competitiveness and unselfishness," White said. "Our point guards did a nice job of getting everyone involved."

Senior playmaker Kasey Hill had 13 points, hit both his 3-pointers, to go with seven assists and six turnovers. Shooting guard KeVaughn Allen actually had a quiet day scoring the ball, with just nine points, but his five assists were best for non-point guards.

Freshman Gorjok Gak, the 6-foot-11 center who is ineligible this season, scored 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting, grabbed five rebounds and dished three assists, showing a nice feel from the post. Sophomore Kevarrius Hayes had four fouls in one of the mini-games, but he finished with 10 points and went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Junior forward Devin Robinson, who is coming off foot surgery, had eight points and two rebounds.