Gators set to host basketball media day today, plus a few links
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Football, Soccer, Scott Carter
The Florida men's and women's basketball teams are holding their annual media days this afternoon.
Gators coach Billy Donovan loses a trio of inside players from last year's Elite Eight squad, but he adds true freshman guard Brad Beal and talented transfer Mike Rosario to the lineup.
Beal and Rosario join a Florida backcourt that already features returning starters Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton and key reserve Scottie Wilbekin.
The depth inside is not nearly as deep following the loss of forwards Alex Tyus and Chandler Parsons and center Vernon Macklin. Sophomore Patric Young is Florida's most talented big man. Young is joined by returning players Erik Murphy and Cody Larson and newcomer Walter Pitchford inside.
Sophomores Casey Prather and Will Yeguete are expected to play more prominent roles in their second seasons.
Meanwhile, UF women's head coach Amanda Butler enters her fifth season with a team that includes a good mix of newcomers and veterans. The Gators finished 20-15 a year ago and qualified for the WNIT, Butler's fourth consecutive postseason appearance since returning to her alma mater.
The Gators hope to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years.
Check out GatorZone.com later today for coverage from this afternoon's media day.
For now, here are some current links covering Gator sports:
--The Orlando Sentinel offers its midseason report card on the Gators.
--Gators QB Jeff Driskel's ankle has improved to where he is competing on even level with Jacoby Brissett writes the Sentinel.
--Here is a Gators notebook from the Independent Florida Alligator topped by a note on Driskel's recovery from an ankle injury.
--Huntsville Times columnist Bill Bryant writes how important it is for college football that Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes to be major players.
--Gators reserve linebacker Dee Finley is reportedly transferring according to this story from the Gainesville Sun. Finley has 12 career tackles in 19 games. Gators coach Will Muschamp said he is scheduled to meet with Finley later today to discuss the matter but said nothing is official.
--Gators women's basketball player Deaundra Young, who has battled multiple health issues in her time at UF, is leaving the program after the fall semester writes Florida Today.
