As the No. 1 team in the nation and the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, Florida boasts a roster filled with talent. The Gators’ rotation features seven players who get 20 or more minutes per game and contribute to the team’s success in various ways. Here’s a scouting report of what each of Florida’s top seven rotation players bring to the game.
Casey Prather, senior forward, 6-foot-6, 212 pounds
Season stats: 14.1 points, 60.7 field goal percentage, 4.9 rebounds
Prather is the Gator’s leading scorer this season after never averaging more than 6.2 points per game in his first three seasons. Earning a big bump in minutes, Prather has made the most of it. Besides his efficient scoring inside, Prather is a very athletic player who can also lock up opposing players as a defender.
Scottie Wilbekin, senior guard, 6-foot-2, 176 pounds
Season stats: 13.1 points, 40.7 field goal percentage, 39.7 three-point percentage, 3.7 assists
Wilbekin, the Southeastern Conference player of the year, makes his impact felt both on and off the court. He can shoot the ball, with range to the three-point line, can pass, facilitate the offense and is adept at drawing fouls. On top of that, Wilbekin’s ability to manage the tempo of the game and his leadership make him arguably Florida’s most valuable asset.
Michael Frazier II, sophomore guard, 6-foot-4, 199 pounds
Season stats: 12.5 points, 45.8 field goal percentage, 44.4 three-point percentage
Frazier II may be a bit one dimensional, but he excels at that dimension. He’s both Florida’s most accurate and highest volume three-point shooter, making his shooting ability all the more valuable. UCLA will need to make sure not to leave him unguarded behind the line.
Patric Young, senior center, 6-foot-9, 240 pounds
Season stats: 10.9 points, 54.1 field goal percentage, 6.3 rebounds
Young is as imposing looking a player as there is in college basketball. He has the body of Dwight Howard, and though his stats aren’t as impressive’s as Howard’s, Young is just as important to his team. The Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year is averaging a block per game, but his defensive prowess extends beyond the box score. His physicality in the paint is a nightmare for opposing bigs who have to fight all game to contain him. On offense, Young’s athleticism earns him a fair share of highlight dunks, but his strength also allows him to wreak havoc with his screens.
Will Yeguete, senior forward, 6-foot-8, 230 pounds
Season stats: 4.9 points, 5.1 rebounds
Looking at his stats, it’s clear Yeguete isn’t an offensive juggernaut. As a big man, he still shoots an inefficient 43.5 percent from the field. However Yeguete still earned his spot as a starter through his experience and leadership, and he is still an effective rebounder. Paired with Young and Prather, the Gators will be tough to keep off the glass.
Dorian Finney-Smith, redshirt sophomore forward, 6-foot-8, 212 pounds
Season stats: 9 points, 6.7 rebounds
Finney-Smith is a fairly versatile player who can cause problems for opponents in multiple ways. Not only is he a strong rebounder, leading the team in that category, but he has a multi-dimensional offensive game. He can shoot the three ball, with 38 makes from behind the arc on the season, and he is also an adept ball handler with the ability to drive and score inside.
Kasey Hill, freshman guard, 6-foot-1, 181 pounds
Season stats: 5.6 points, 3 assists
Hill isn’t the most effective scorer, shooting just 41.4 percent from the field in his first collegiate season. Despite his shaky jump shot, Hill’s speed and ball handling make him an effective player. He can find his way into the lane and has had success as a passer off the bench. Keeping him from penetrating the lane will be a challenge for UCLA.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.