Canyon Barry scored 20 off the bench Tuesday night against Ole Miss.
Harry Fodder: Next-Day Takeaway
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
The Gators defeated the Rebels 70-63 Tuesday night in the SEC home opener.
THREE LEFTOVER THOUGHTS
NO. 24 FLORIDA 70, OLE MISS 63
1) Kasey Hill became the first UF player since Nick Calathes in 2009 to post at least eight points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals in a game. As far as steals, the senior point guard actually had a career-high six and was singled out in the post-game media session by Andy Kennedy. The Rebels coach said Hill is the player who is most responsible for making the Gators so good on defense because of the relentless pressure he puts on the ball — making mention of Hill's ability to back-tip dribblers from behind — plus the way he plays the passing lanes and turns turnovers into run-out baskets. Florida is ranked No. 11 in the KenPom ratings for adjusted defense and Coach Mike White believes his team can be even better. Over his four years, Hill has been a popular target for UF fans, be it for his turnovers, shot selection or free throws. Ironically, all three of those areas reared themselves for Hill against Ole Miss: five turnovers, a couple ill-advised shots (and late-game drives when the clock was the UF's ally) and an 0-for-4 night at the line, including two misses in the final minute. But Hill's defense should not be discounted. Nor his willingness to address his shortcomings by spending more extra time in the gym than anyone on the roster.
2) I often get tweets from fans wondering what's up with Canyon Barry. Early in the season it was, "Why doesn't Canyon start?" Then it was, "Is Canyon hurt?" Then, "What's wrong with Canyon?" Enough, already. Barry, the graduate transfer from College of Charleston who led UF with 20 points Tuesday, has a five-year college basketball resume out there for all to see. He's never been an elite 3-point shooter (34 percent for this career), but a decent one. He's a streaky scorer, who at times at CofC would throw in 25 one night and seven the next. He surprises opponents with his athleticism at times and has a crafty way of drawing fouls. He's a really, really nice player and compliment for this team. Better yet, he's fine with his role and his teammates appreciate what he brings to the table. Barry's IQ (both on and off the floor) is well documented. The Gators are just two games into SEC play, so look for him to figure some things in real time and get a feel for the size and athleticism in the league relative to how he has to play.
3) Florida sits at No. 2 overall in the Ratings Percentage Index, behind only Villanova, which is unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls. The Gators are atop RPI in both strength of schedule and non-conference strength of schedule, thanks in great part to the fact they've played just two home games, but also because of a 3-3 mark against RPI Top 50 teams, with the three losses vs RPI No. 12 Duke, 13th FSU and 16th Gonzaga.
NO. 24 FLORIDA 70, OLE MISS 63
1) Kasey Hill became the first UF player since Nick Calathes in 2009 to post at least eight points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals in a game. As far as steals, the senior point guard actually had a career-high six and was singled out in the post-game media session by Andy Kennedy. The Rebels coach said Hill is the player who is most responsible for making the Gators so good on defense because of the relentless pressure he puts on the ball — making mention of Hill's ability to back-tip dribblers from behind — plus the way he plays the passing lanes and turns turnovers into run-out baskets. Florida is ranked No. 11 in the KenPom ratings for adjusted defense and Coach Mike White believes his team can be even better. Over his four years, Hill has been a popular target for UF fans, be it for his turnovers, shot selection or free throws. Ironically, all three of those areas reared themselves for Hill against Ole Miss: five turnovers, a couple ill-advised shots (and late-game drives when the clock was the UF's ally) and an 0-for-4 night at the line, including two misses in the final minute. But Hill's defense should not be discounted. Nor his willingness to address his shortcomings by spending more extra time in the gym than anyone on the roster. 2) I often get tweets from fans wondering what's up with Canyon Barry. Early in the season it was, "Why doesn't Canyon start?" Then it was, "Is Canyon hurt?" Then, "What's wrong with Canyon?" Enough, already. Barry, the graduate transfer from College of Charleston who led UF with 20 points Tuesday, has a five-year college basketball resume out there for all to see. He's never been an elite 3-point shooter (34 percent for this career), but a decent one. He's a streaky scorer, who at times at CofC would throw in 25 one night and seven the next. He surprises opponents with his athleticism at times and has a crafty way of drawing fouls. He's a really, really nice player and compliment for this team. Better yet, he's fine with his role and his teammates appreciate what he brings to the table. Barry's IQ (both on and off the floor) is well documented. The Gators are just two games into SEC play, so look for him to figure some things in real time and get a feel for the size and athleticism in the league relative to how he has to play.
3) Florida sits at No. 2 overall in the Ratings Percentage Index, behind only Villanova, which is unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls. The Gators are atop RPI in both strength of schedule and non-conference strength of schedule, thanks in great part to the fact they've played just two home games, but also because of a 3-3 mark against RPI Top 50 teams, with the three losses vs RPI No. 12 Duke, 13th FSU and 16th Gonzaga.
Players Mentioned
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