Sunday, September 29, 2019 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
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By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The first practice of the Florida preseason was Friday. It lasted two hours and 44 minutes. A packed 2:44..
"After two hours, you definitely feel it," freshman guard Ques Glover said. "But you have to keep going."
Then come back in the next day.
On Saturday, the Gators went another two hours and 40 minutes. They were at it again Sunday for 2:10 (give or take).
"And we'll do it again tomorrow, and the day after that and the day after that," freshman center Jason Jitoboh said.
Coach Mike White
The first weekend of the 2019-20 run-up is in the books. True to the predictions of Coach Mike White and his handful of veterans, longer and more intense practices hit the new guys — in UF's case, a talented core of five freshmen (including one walk-on) — harder than the rest. White praised the laser-sharp focus of graduated-transfer center/forward Kerry Blackshear Jr., as well as returning sophomore starters Andrew Nembhard, Noah Locke and Keyontae Johnson.
The rest (even junior transfers Anthony Duruji and Tyree Appleby) not only were struck by the longer practices than during the offseason workouts, but a barrage of plays, terminology and concepts that challenged them mentally, as well.
"They're exhausted," White said after Sunday afternoon's turn on the court. "I'm throwing a lot at them, right now. Hopefully, we can do less talking when the games approach."
That's a ways away. UF has an exhibition game Oct. 29 against Division II Lynn at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center, then the regular-season opener exactly one week later, Nov. 5, against North Florida, also at home.
White and his staff are in the process of revamping some of the things the the Gators do offensively, without sacrificing the premium they put on defense.
Every minute of practice is accounted for on the agenda. There's a lot of information to process, but also a lot of practice time to process it.
Friday's practice was incredibly high level, high-energy; arguably the best single practice of White's five seasons here. The next two didn't compare, but that wasn't necessarily unexpected, especially given the adjustment period some of these players are going through.
"I didn't notice or really pay attention to how much time we were out there," freshman center/forward Omar Payne said. "I'm just trying to focus and learn, do what they tell me to do and get used to the system. It's a lot different than what I'm used to."
It won't get any easier anytime soon, either.
The team's first day "off" is Wednesday.
"It's been spirited and competitive, but we've got a ways to go," White said. "We gave into fatigue [Saturday] and again [Sunday], and our focus leaves a lot to be desired. Thank God we don't play for a while."
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