KeVaughn Allen, left, and Kasey Hill worked some magic in Florida's rout of Arkansas-Little Rock on Wednesday night. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications).
Carter's Corner: Gators' Win Felt Like a Festive House Party
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Scott Carter
Florida opens a new era in grand fashion to christen revamped Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the days leading up to Wednesday night's game against Arkansas-Little Rock, Gators head coach Mike White repeated a simple message over and over to his team.
This is not a party. Let our fans party. They deserve this.
White knew that after the game players and coaches would scatter for the Christmas break.
"That is when upsets happen in college basketball,'' he said.
Of course, White's message hinged on so many other factors besides the much-needed break. The Gators played their first 11 games of the season in seven different cities as a $64.5 million renovation project on the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center was finished.
This was a homecoming unlike any other in program history.
The Gators took control from the opening tip in their debut at newly renovated Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
Since Florida last played at home, former UF head coach Billy Donovan fell a game short of the NBA Finals in his first season in the NBA, a U.S. presidential election was decided, fake news became a national concern and rock n' roll stars continued to shuffle off to the big stage in the sky.
And then Florida 94, UALR 71 happened.
The Gators were back and all the stars aligned in their sparkling new home.
It took all of 14 seconds for the two-hour party to start when Kevarrius Hayes stuffed home a basket to spark Florida on a 9-0 game-opening run.
"Slam dunk. First points in the O'Connell Center/Exactech Arena. A slam, bam, jam, Kevarrius Hayes,'' roared longtime Gators play-by-play voice Mick Hubert across the airwaves.
This was a feel-good party, not a stumble-home-defeated bash that might have caused White to rip off his blue tie and white shirt and say "I told you so" in the postgame locker room.
It was all high-fives and hugs. The Gators and a sold-out crowd of 10,655 got exactly what they came for in the long-awaited home opener and reopening of the iconic campus venue.
Mike Hill, Florida's executive associate athletics director for external affairs, oversees the men's basketball program. He still had a smile on his face as he walked toward his car after the game.
With most UF students out of town on holiday break, only about 400 of the usual 2,000 Rowdy Reptiles who gobble up student tickets were at the game. That left 1,600 tickets up for grabs and they sold out quickly to fans who wanted to see the Gators play and to check out the new building.
"It couldn't have gone any better,'' Hill said.
UF alum and country music artist Easton Corbin sung the national anthem, Hayes soon followed with a thunderous dunk, and the Gators began to drop 3-pointers (16 of 31 overall) as if they were shooting layups.
Florida led by 29 at halftime as fans mingled and checked out the new place, everything from the center-hung video board, upgraded concourse and the tastier offerings at concession stands.
The night was a culmination of nearly two years of planning, nine months of construction and 17 consecutive games away from home for the Gators. Wherever you looked there were smiles such as Hill's easily spotted.
"It's incredible how quickly it got done,'' White said.
UF President Kent Fuchs was there, former AD Jeremy Foley and new AD Scott Stricklin shared a laugh or two, longtime University Athletic Association administrator Chip Howard, who played a pivotal role in the planning, made the rounds, and veteran basketball staff members such as Jack and Tracy Pfaff, trainer Dave "Duke" Werner and many others reveled in the evening.
Even the Head Ball Coach, who had a book signing prior to the game, sat courtside and appeared impressed by the renovated O'Dome, the Gators' play and the woman who rode a unicycle at halftime.
It was that kind of night at 250 Gale Lemerand Drive.
The Gators shot 68.8 percent (22 of 32) in the first half, 59.6 percent (34 of 57) overall, had 20 assists (led by Kasey Hill's 11) and never trailed.
"I feel like I got adjusted pretty quick,'' said sophomore KeVaughn Allen (19 points, five 3-pointers) of the atmosphere. "[I will remember] the fans cheering us on throughout the whole night and everybody hitting down shots and just having fun."
"The building was great. It was great having all the energy there,'' said Hayes, who finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and 5-for-5 from the floor. "I think it helped us out a lot. We came hyped, pumped. We came out there to play."
Yes, they did.
They partied, too, but under the lights on their new court. They had plenty of distractions to contend with, but when the ball went into the air for the opening tip, the Gators put on a show for the home crowd.
Thirty-six years after the original opened its doors, the Gators improved to 2-0 all-time in their first game at the O'Connell Center.
"It was incredible,'' White said. "To finally have the arena back and all the fans out there, it felt great."
