NCAA Tournament Contender Preview: Florida Gators

Conference: SEC

Top 25 Ranking: #5

Season Averages:

Offense: 73.8 points per game, 49.3 field-goal percentage, 16.0 assists

Defense: 53.0 points per game, 37.4 field-goal percentage, 9.9 assists (allowed)

Analysis: Out of all legitimate national contenders, the Florida Gators have the best statistical profile going for them: ranking in the top 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, scoring 1.17 points per possession, while only allowing 0.84. This is, in large part, based on the Gators ability to move the ball and find the open man, commonly from 3-point range, while locking down on the perimeter defensively. Florida makes 1.39 assists-to-1 turnover on offense, while allowing just 0.66 assists per 1 turnover.

The big question mark surrounding this team is that most of these significant stats will built up with wing Will Yeguete, the team's second-leading rebounder, who is out until at least mid-March with a knee injury. Not only is Yeguete a tough rebounder, but he was their defensive ace, who at 6'7", 240-pounds, allowed head coach Billy Donovan to play him anywhere from shooting guard to power forward.

Without Yeguete in the lineup, Florida has been mortal in conference play, but it has allowed for more Gators to get significant minutes, with 8 players averaging at least 15.0 minutes per game.

By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 2 - 27- 13