Gator Thursday

The Defending National Champions have had a rough few weeks. First the loss to Kansas after the Gators appeared to have the game won in overtime, and then a serious illness to Corey Brewer, then Joakhim Noah develops a respritory infection and then the 32 minutes of garbage basketball in Tallahassee, that resulted in a loss despite 8 solid minutes of play at the end. Last night's win versus Providence not withstanding, the Gators have looked ordinary against legitimate competetion thus far this season.

The Gators are still the most complete team in the nation with the most battles tested players. In fact this Gator team has the potential to be one of the greatest teams of our era with the depletion of rosters by early NBA entries and the emergence of several mid major programs. However, this Gator team has to understand that they have a target on their back every night. Everyone in the nation wants to beat Florida. Unlike last year when the Gators spent much of the season either under the national radar, or being considered "soft" by the national media thanks to their underachieving predecesors who wore the same uniforms, this season every Gator game is an event for both the opposition and the national media.

The Gators better be ready. They have a target on their back and similar to last season when late game breakdowns cost the team close games against Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee, this season both close games have gone the way of the opposition. The Gators have the best starting five around and the pedigree to do it again. But they have to get smarter about shot selection and defense in close games.

Some other thoughts:

• I thought Dan Werner would make an immediate impact but he is still getting acclaimated to the speed of the college game.
• Chris Richard continues to be a force off the bench. If he played for half the other teams in the SEC, he'd be their best player.
• Walter Hodge has always been a defensive stopper, but this offseason he worked on his shooting range and now he gives the Gators increased options in the backcourt.
• Greg Oden vs Joahkim Noah and Al Horford. Football BCS title game on the hardwood. Possible Final Four preview! Matta vs Donovan the two best young coaches in America. Let the hype begin. Florida-Ohio State is just a few weeks away!