UF football's alternate uniforms certainly engendered a response via social media.
'Swamp-Green' Look a hit with Hoops Teams
Friday, October 13, 2017 | Men's Basketball, Football, Chris Harry
Most athletes love to go off the beaten path when it comes to their game-day look.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When the University of Florida and Nike jointly unveiled the alternate alligator-armored uniform for Saturday night's football game against Texas A&M, the response was loud on social media.
The definition of loud, of course, just might depend on the demographic.
It's important to remember that the players really dig this kind of stuff. All players.
"I like them because you've never seen anything like them before. I like everything about them," junior guard Jalen Hudson of the UF basketball team said as we scrolled through a photo gallery of the so-called "swamp green" look that will be rolled out against the Aggies. "Maybe some black pants would have been better, but I like it."
Another photo came up.
"Oh man, are they really wearing those shoes?" Hudson asked about the scaly cleats. "Those are nice!"
So, as you sit behind your office desk or roll into another staff meeting, remember who this sort of thing is geared toward.
I asked a handful of UF basketball players their thoughts.
"Yeah, I like them. Everything but maybe the blue on the arms," senior point guard Chris Chiozza said. "I'd have liked to seen some orange -- maybe something neon and bright like Oregon does. But I like everything else."
Junior shooting guard KeVaughn Allen got the question. He nodded his head three or four times, which for him represents a resounding yes.
Fifth-year graduate transfer Egor Koulechov had nothing but good things to say.
"Not just the look of it, but the concept of it shows the spirit of the school — we're the Gators," said Koulechov, who came to UF from Rice. "It's a little out there, but there's nothing wrong with that. Some people will love them, some will hate them. I don't think anybody will be in-between. Count me on the love side. And I'm sure the [football] players like them, too."
This. Happened. #GoGators pic.twitter.com/sKs4Lc2AV1
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 13, 2017
The closest thing to a thumbs-down came from junior center Kevarrius Hayes. He approved, sort of. "They're all right," he said.
Last year, the hoops team wore an all-black uniform scheme for a home game against Tennessee. In 2012, Nike shipped a grayish uniform from its "Platinum Elite" line for a game, also against Tennessee.
But what if a similar "swamp-like" version showed up for basketball?
"I'd totally rock that," sophomore forward Keith Stone said.
Oh, and let's not limit the "rocking" to the men's team.
"They look like real Gator skin," women's sophomore guard Delicia Washington said. "I know we'd love to wear something like that."
Hudson was even impressed by the hype video that introduced moving pictures of the uniform. The one worn by senior safety Nick Washington. In the "Swamp."
With a live alligator.
"Would I?" Hudson shot back when asked if he'd pose with a real gator. "Of course, I would. We're the Florida Gators. That would be a once in a lifetime deal."
Time will tell if the alligator-armored look will be, also.
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