Florida Gators

WHAT HAPPENED: Graduate-transfer forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. had a double-double Tuesday and helped pace four Gators into double-figure scoring on the way to an exhibition win over the Division-II Knights at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center. Blackshear, the nation's most heralded player in the grad-transfer portal during the offseason (and maybe since the advent of the rule six years ago) scored 16 points on five of eight shooting to go with nine rebounds in 24 minutes. Sophomore point guard Andrew Nembhard threw in a team-high 17 points, including four 3-pointers, grabbed three rebounds and dished six assists. Freshman guard Tre Mann added 13 points, sophomore forward Keyontae Johnson had 12 points, six rebounds and four assists, and 6-10 freshman center/forward Omar Payne came off the bench to pack a nice stat line of nine points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots. UF, ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press preseason poll, started slowly and needed more than nine minutes to open its first double-digit lead. The margin slowly swelled to as many as 20 late in the first half and the Gators used 11 straight points to open the second half, with trio of 3-balls from Nembhard, that put the home team up by 31. Lynn, out of the Sunshine State Conference, cut into the lead behind an ridiculous scoring display by guard Jordan Allen, who poured in 35 points and let the Rowdy Reptiles know about it all night. The Knights actually outscored the Gators after intermission, 42-40, thanks in great part by UF's 6-for-16 effort from the free-throw line in the second period.  WHAT IT MEANS: Nothing, other than a sneak preview to what looks to be the deepest and most talented UF team since the 2014 Final Four squad. The Gators weren't very sharp the last 15 minutes or so, but Coach Mike White and his staff are still feeling out this roster and figuring out rotations and minutes.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: That the 6-foot-10, 235-pound Blackshear played as advertised should be a surprise to no one. He's been an exemplary player and teammate since he arrived on campus in July — just like he was the previous four seasons at Tech. He's the real deal. 

STAGGERING STATISTIC: Allen, a 6-4 transfer from Rider, had the hot hand all game. He finished 13 of 23 from the floor and 9-for-17 from the 3-point line, with many of his shots off-balance types, and enjoying every one of his 34 minutes. Look out Florida Southern, Barry, Eckerd and the rest of the SSC. He'll be a problem in that league. 

UP NEXT: Florida will open the regular season in one week when it faces North Florida on Nov. 5 at the O'Dome. The Gators are 8-0 all-time against the Ospreys, who play out of the Atlantic Sun Conference. All but one of those wins have come by at least 31 points, including last season's 98-66 win at home on Nov. 27. UNF has yet to play its exhibition game, so the game will mark the Ospreys' opener, real or otherwise.