AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > February > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThese Gators are better than ever
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Forget that it represents that snooty school six hours to the south. Forget that its mascot is a repellent reptile. Focus instead on this Florida team, for it’s an aggregation for the ages. It plays basketball the way the game should be, but almost never is, played.
North Carolina might or might not have more talent. Nobody has this mesh, this comprehension, this capacity to tend to business at both ends. The Florida team that won the 2006 NCAA title was, by way of self-comparison, merely the beta version. These Gators, really the same Gators a year older, are the flawless finished product.
Remember the Illinois team that played for the 2005 national championship, how selfless and clever that bunch was? Florida is Illinois done bigger and better. Florida is Illinois with more pro prospects, more depth, more of a belief — and those Illini believed deeply — in its manifest destiny.
Florida came here Wednesday for its first real road test of the conference season, and the Gators aced it the way champions ace their midterms. Georgia gave them a hard run early, but by halftime the Bulldogs were six points down and lucky to be that close. Then they were lucky and close no more. They were worn down by a superior opponent playing at a level the Bulldogs, for all their improvements, cannot even approximate.
The Gators passed the ball willingly and adroitly a year ago, but the question coming into the new season was whether a team with five (and perhaps six) players cut from NBA cloth would be so selfless this time around. It is. Of Florida’s first 22 baskets, 13 were dunks or layups — functions of cutting and screening and feeding. Has any college team of the last 40 years put five such passers on the floor? Has any high-profile team ever cared so little about who leads it in scoring?
“The thing that makes them so special,” said Dennis Felton, the Georgia coach, “is their combination of size and athleticism and skill level.” He gave an example. In the first half the Bulldogs closed down expertly on Al Horford along the baseline, and what did Florida get out of this apparently thwarted possession? Three points.
“Their 6-10 guy makes a corner-to-corner pass to Corey Brewer for another 3,” Felton said. “You can do everything right and they either outsize you or they out-athlete you.”
The other issue, at least in theory, concerned defense. Would Florida, which never guarded anybody until Larry Shyatt signed on as an assistant, continue to defend at such a high level? The answer is no. This team defends at a higher level. The aforementioned Brewer, who’s 6-9, is the best collegiate defender since Shane Battier. Horford and Joakim Noah block so many shots that the Gators resort to double-teams only occasionally, which means they’re less susceptible to open perimeter jumpers.
This is how good Florida is: The demanding Felton, whose team had just lost by 10 points before a rare home sellout, was moved to smile afterward when he spoke of the Gators. A perfectionist can well appreciate something bordering on perfection.
Asked if he’d ever coached against a better squad, Felton said: “Absolutely not, and I’m counting my days as an assistant [at Providence in the Big East and Clemson in the exalted ACC].” He mentioned some splendid UConn teams and the North Carolina bunch with Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse and Wake Forest with Tim Duncan, and not one of them, in Felton’s trained eye, measures up to these Gators. “They’re a special team,” he said, saying it all.
Forget that it’s Florida you’re watching, the Florida that threatens to rule the sporting world for the next century. Just pretend there are no names on the jerseys and let the excellence wash over you. If you hate this team, you’re hating great basketball. If you hate this team, you’re cheating yourself.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Final Four, Mark Bradley, UGA / SEC
Comments
By A
February 7, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
AGREED!
By Atlanta Gator
February 7, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
Coach Felton said it best: “This team is special.” He was referring to the Gators. His Dawg kids are special, too, as they help the UGA program redeem the mess left behind in the wake of Hurricane Harrick … but there’s no shame in losing to these Gators. They are special. With a little luck, the ‘06 Gators could go have another special year in the SEC and play deep into the NCAAs.
By jrmdvm1
February 7, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
I have always hated reading Gator posts in these blogs. I know some Gators, and none of them are like what I usually read here from Gators. The ones I know are more like Atlanta Gator. Thanks for the kind words about our Dawgs. They are better and better all the time. The current Florida BB team is something special. But, as Atlanta Gator says, so are the Dawgs. I have never seen them give up, and that tenacity makes me proud to be a Dawg.
By Gator Rick
February 8, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
Georgia played hard tonight. The Gators just have too many players for almost any team this year. They are special, and a lot of fun to watch. I hate pro basketball because it is such a selfish, self glorifying game. This Gator team shows the basketball world how to play the game the right way…the way that makes watching the game enjoyable again…the way Larry Bird and Magic played the game.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
February 8, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
I dislike the Reptiles more than any college in the nation; however, I put that aside when I see their basketball team. Mark you hit a homer when you mentioned “UNSELFISH”. I truly believe that anyone who likes sports has to put aside dislikes when you see a team like the Reptiles. I hope that our players will watch and learn and come away from tonights’ lost thinking about positive things they could pick up. Our team needs to bear down mentally. They don’t quit but they don’t appear to be on the same page in games like we just had Tenn and Vandy. It’s easy to play hard against the defending champs but we must learn that to get to the top we’ve got to win the games we’re suppose to win. It’s hard but you’ve come a long ways so don’t stop now.
By Red Lawson
February 8, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Well, as much as I hate the Gaytors, even I have to admit that’s one helluva team, and I was there in The Stegesaurus watching them in person. The Dogs never quit, but there was no way they were going to beat those guys. Goodgodamighty what a team!
By Another Gator
February 8, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this
Gotta love the “Love”
Felton is going to do some really good things at UGA. Hopefully, UF wins another title, but this can’t go on forever…
It must be tough trying to hate someone in Gainesville (FL) nowadays. :-)
How can you not appreciate the way this team has played for 2 years? And can you really “hate” the Gridiron Gators? Good team play, all the way around… in my humble opinion.
As always… SEC!SEC!SEC!
By SavannahDawg
February 8, 2007 03:02 AM | Link to this
I’ll jump on the Gator lovefest for just one day, because there’s no denying that they play the game at a level you don’t see often. I read a quote recently from a coach (I think Pearl) who said they “honor the game.” That’s the best way to summarize the Gators, and it gives the Dawgs something to strive for. There’s no reason we can’t achieve success in BB at UGA, but in the meantime, we have the ultimate role model to emulate. Nice job, Gators. I still hate you.
By steve
February 8, 2007 08:30 AM | Link to this
Billy D. has molded this team in his own image…selfless team players, stingy defense, crisp passing, clever ball handling, and high percentage shot making. They are a joy to watch if you love basketball in it’s purest form. It won’t last forever, so let’s all just enjoy and hope this style of play becomes more prevalent in more programs over the years to come. I’m sure John Wooden, Dean Smith, and those that came before are and would be impressed with what Billy D. has developed at UF.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
February 8, 2007 09:06 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t have said it better myself. This a “team” in every sense of the word. They kind of remind me of the Orlando Magic back when they had Shaq and Penny Hardaway. Everybody in their starting five had their own special thing they did, just like these Gators. Horford down low, Noah blocking shots and playing like a possessed guy, Humphries busting three’s, T. Green running the point, and Brewer doing everything else AND playing great perimeter defense. I will definetly miss these guys when they graduate. This may be the best college basketball “team” I’ve ever seen. It tis a great day to be a Gator fan. GO GATORS!!!!!
By Charles Cox
February 8, 2007 09:18 AM | Link to this
Georgia has got to score more and be more efficient offensivley. This means fewer turnovers - and stopping this crap of holding the ball till the final 6 or 5 seconds and some guy throwing up a prayer 25 footer at the buzzer. They need to move more and pick up the pace of their half court game. Humphrey and Woodbury need more playing time since they seem to get more good looks and the 3 point shot. And Gaaines but be able to penetrate the lane more and either score or find the open man (iether inside of outside for the quick shot). The big men fumble the ball in the low post way to often and either turn it over or allow the defense to double team. How ‘bout it Felton - lots of hard inside passed into the low post in drills where he catches and goes hard ar the hoop! Practice this - you need it!!!
By Charles Cox
February 8, 2007 09:30 AM | Link to this
Why isn’t palming called anymore? I see too many tall guards dribble je ball above their heads on the fast break? Call Noah for more foulds. He consistently pushed with his left hand when he puts the ball on the floor and consistently hooks his man when guarding the low post. No wonder his numbers on both sides of the ball are so good!
By texas gator
February 8, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Go Gators! Watch and weep>
Rp
By Troy
February 8, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
I really appreciate the unbiased opinion as an alumni of UF. Mark Bradley is correct. If you don’t look at the names on the front or the back of the jerseys, but rather just watch them play, this team is special. I must admit I was worried about selfishness setting in when all of the guys decided to come back instead of turning pro. It looks like they have become even less selfish. Someone is doing a heck of a job in Gainesville keeping these player’s egos in check. Coach Donovan will get the credit but I am sure the assistant coaches (as well as the parents of the players) are a big part of this as well. Don’t forget that the big four (Noah, Horford, Brewer, and Green) are junoirs and could come back for yet another season if they so chose. Lastly, the Bulldog fans should be very proud of their as well. They are much improved and did not lay down when they fell behind big in the second half to a superior team. That seven footer in the middle could become something special. It looks like Georgia could be an upper echeleon SEC team real soon.
By Gator Family
February 8, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
I enjoy watching the team play when I can. I like how one starter can go down and they are not the same team. I have alot of respect for Dennis Felton. To come in on what he did after Harrick, he is building a basketball program they way it should be like Billy D. It’s great to say SEC home of the Football and Basketball Championships.
By Al B. Gator
February 8, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
I can’t take all the love. It’s poison. The Gators, up to now, have thrived on being given no respect, both in FB and in BB. I will say, however, that the BB team is fun to watch. Not too many college BB teams have the luxury of a “starting 6” who’ve played together for two full years. They are kind of like an NBA team playing in college. They can lose, though. They can lose focus, become too full of themselves, etc… This will be Billy D.’s biggest challenge.
By David
February 8, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
I ws at the gam elast night - Florida is the best team I heave ever seen (on the college level) - They can beat 3-4 NBA teams right now…
By billdawg
February 8, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Went to the game! Felton & bradley are right on. This ‘Gator team has it all.
By George Costanza
February 8, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Yea, the lounge lizards have come a long way in a short time, and when you are on top then there is only one way for you to go. I was telling Jerry that will happen and hopefully sooner than later. Did any of you reporters check out that lead on the problems with Urban Myer’s resume? I mean it couldn’t have been much of a problem, right?
By MR
February 8, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
The Gators are awesome. UGA is certainly improving but nowhere near the Gators’ level. Maybe UGA will use some of the “over-budget profits” from the continually increasing ticket & priority prices to construct a NEW coliseum.
By MR
February 8, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
The Gators are awesome. UGA is certainly improving but nowhere near the Gators’ level. Maybe UGA will use some of the “over-budget profits” from the continually increasing ticket & priority prices to construct a NEW coliseum.
By SEGA Gator
February 8, 2007 01:09 PM | Link to this
NO WHERE HAVE I HEARD OR READ ANYTHING OF THE FACT THAT STEVE NEWMAN’S DAD MARK WAS A GATOR QUARTERBACK IN THE EARLY ‘70’S. HOW DID HE GET AWAY TO GEORGIA OF ALL PLACES? ORIGINALLY FROM BELLE GLADE,FL.
By George Costanza
February 8, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry guys about making baseless accussations again a coach of a team my team (UGAy) can’t beat. I obviously hope the Gators get worse, because it looks like UGAy isn’t getting better.
By UFownsUGA
February 8, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this
I dont know about Steve Newman’s dad playing at UF but I think his long lost twin brother Matt Bonner did.
By 1GatorFan
February 8, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this
If college sports fans put as much energy and passion into supporting “their” team as they do bashing/hating/critizing the rival team then college sports would be better for it. Yes, I am a Gator fan but I am also a college sports fanatic. I don’t spend by time “hating” other teams. This is the SEC - the best division in college sports. All these kids, from around the SEC deserve each and every fan’s support. Criticize the fans - leave the kids and coaches alone. They are doing the job they are asked to do. Georgia is on their way to being a great basketball team and a new colisuem will not make it happen any faster. UGA hired a great coach. The coach has recruited very well and he teaches his players the fundamentals. That is why UGA will be a great team. Go Gators.
By Newman?
February 8, 2007 02:23 PM | Link to this
The reason Newman “got away” from Florida is that he sucks and Florida would never sign such a player.
By wingtee
February 8, 2007 03:30 PM | Link to this
If the Dad of Steve Newman was named Mark, he was n excellent pitcher for the Gator Baseball team in the 70-73 teams.
That comment by “By Newman” was classless. I am a Gator and embarassed by this. I am sure you would say that to Newman’s face. Thanks for giving the Georgia fans another reason to hate us. Like they don’t have enough as it is. Good Luck Steve and the Dogs and Go Gators !
By reza
February 8, 2007 03:30 PM | Link to this
UGA basketball play their hearts out.They should not be ashamed of losing to the Gators. This team is the best college basketball team of all times. I do not think any team could have beaten the Gators last night including some pro basketball teams.
By wingtee
February 8, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this
I wander if that was the Buck Cocheren who worked in Jacksonvill. I knew he was a Dawg, that rascal.
Buck had a radio sports show and he was pretty darn good.