kenny boynton

No Star? No Problem For Florida Gators

Jason Brubaker — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:08:09 -0500

You might think that an NIT team that lost it's leading scorer would be in for a rough season. Add in the fact that in addition to leading the team in scoring, that same player also led the team in minutes, steals and assists, and was second in rebounding, and you would almost be a fool to believe that the team wouldn't struggle this year. After all, college basketball is a game of stars right?

Well, as the 2009-10 Florida Gators are proving...maybe not.

Now, let's not get crazy. These Gators have some talent, most noticeably five-star recruit Kenny Boynton and former McDonald's All-American Vernon Macklin. They've got some SEC veterans in Dan Werner and Chandler Parsons, and a sparkplug of a point guard in Erving Walker. So this isn't a “Hoosier” storyline, where the collective will of some underachievers can overcome long odds to beat better teams.

But let's be real – did you see the Gators, a team that is coming off back-to-back NIT appearances, jetting of to an 8-1 start? Knocking off Michigan State and Florida State? Especially after losing their Mr. Everything in sophomore guard Nick Calathes?

There's no question that without Calathes, who opted for the NBA Draft but then signed with a Greek team, many thought the Gators would face an uphill battle all season, relying largely on unproven or younger players. Yet here we are, mid-December, and the only team to vanquish the Rowdy Reptiles so far has been #5 Syracuse, a game that was tightly contested throughout. Rather than putting everything on the shoulders of Calathes, as was often the case the last two years, these Gators are getting it done with teamwork, chemistry, and a passion for the game. As history tells us, this can lead to good things in Gainesville.

Think back a moment. When the Gators lost blue-chippers Matt Walsh, David Lee and Anthony Roberson in 2006, replacing them with a skinny kid with big hair, a stiff forward with limited offense and an unproven point guard, how did you think things would turn out? If you said National Champs, then you need to accompany me to Las Vegas sometime, because you have a gift.

But much like that year, when Joakim Noah, Al Hoford and Taurean Green more than filled the shoes of the departed stars, teaming with Corey Brewer to give the Gators their best two-year run in school history, this Gators team understands that teamwork is the most critical element in building a successful season. Granted, it's unlikely that they'll see three players develop into lottery selections like that team did, but it's the lesson that is important here. That lesson? It's wonderful to have a superstar, but it's even better to have five guys on the floor who function as one.

Just look at the stats. Boynton leads the team in scoring. Walker leads the team in assists. Parson and Alex Tyus set the pace in rebounding. Ray Shipman leads the team in steals. Instead of relying heavily on one guy, the Gators have had a number of players carve out a niche for themselves, and they're all contributing.

Furthermore, this team seems to enjoy playing with each other. Last year, despite his enormous ability, rumors abounded about Calathes' prickly attitude and rocky relationship with teammates. Often, it appeared some players were hesitant on the court, not wanting to incur Calathes' icy glare, and thus putting even more of the burden on his shoulders to carry the team. This led to a team that fell apart in close games, going just 6-8 in games decided by seven points or less.

But things are different this year. With a more balanced attack and some renewed confidence, the Gators appear to be a new team this year. Parsons has not only embraced a sixth-man role, but has thrived, averaging 12 points and six rebounds and using his size to create mismatches. Walker has been fearless leading the team, never hesitant to drive down the lane or body up his man on defense. Boynton has had some ups and downs, as have most freshmen not named John Wall, but he has also shown flashes of the potential that made him a highly-touted recruit. Tyus and Werner are playing smarter and with more vigor, perhaps due to the addition of Macklin down low. The Gators have fully embraced the team concept, and as a result, now find themselves being mentioned as a surprise threat in the SEC this year.

Now this team isn't perfect. Walker and Boynton are a fine backcourt, but their lack of size will hurt them when they match up with teams like Kentucky and Tennessee. Although Macklin brings some much-needed size to the post, the depth is still a little shaky, and if he gets in foul trouble, the Gators will struggle against bigger teams. Their outside shooting has been hot and cold so far, and against the more explosive teams on their schedule, one cold streak could doom them. They don't have the overwhelming athleticism to match some of their SEC brethren, which could hurt in conference play.

But there's no question that Gators have already surprised some with not only their hot start, but their improved play and renewed enthusiasm for the game. This team seems to genuinely enjoy playing with one another, and that's an ingredient that has tasted really good to Gators fans in the past.

After all, there may be an “I” in NIT, but not in team.

Florida Basketball Preview: #39

Joel Welser — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:48:52 -0400

Overall Rank: #39

Conference Rank: #6 Southeastern Conference

2008-09: 25-11, 9-7

2008-09 postseason: NIT

Coach: Billy Donovan (310-126 at Florida, 345-146 overall)

Florida has spent the last two years in the NIT. That is not what most expected even with the mass exodus following back to back national championships. And this is a group that will have to rely on some youngsters if they want to make it back to the NCAA Tournament. Once again the talent is there, but the Gators need to play better defense if they want to make it back to the big stage.

Key Losses: G Nick Calathes, F Allan Chaney, G Walter Hodge

Key Newcomers:

A few newcomers will make an immediate impact on this team. Vernon Macklin, a transfer from Georgetown, will give the team a true post player and that is great news for the rest of the frontcourt who can now spend a majority of their time playing in their natural positions. Incoming freshman Erik Murphy is a versatile 6-10 forward who will give the Gators plenty of depth in the frontcourt. Adam Allen is also back after missing last season and averaging 4.0 points per game as a freshman. Those guys will bolster the frontcourt, but the player who has the program buzzing is Kenny Boynton. The 6-2 guard will score in just about every way possible and should find himself starting from day one.

Backcourt:

Boynton will help take some of the burden off of Erving Walker. Walker, a 5-8 sophomore, tallied 10.1 points and 2.4 assists last year and that was mostly off of the bench. Now Walker has to take over the point guard duties from the departed Nick Calathes and turn into a leader. He certainly has the ability to take this team over with his consistent outside shooting and his ability to get to the basket. Ray Shipman is the other returning perimeter player. The 6-5 sophomore showed plenty of potential during the 2008-2009 campaign, but he needs to find some more consistency on his outside shot before he will turn into a quality scorer.

Frontcourt:

Dan Werner, Chandler Parsons and Alex Tyus started a majority of the games in the frontcourt last year and all three of them are back. Wener is a tall small forward who, at 6-8, can shoot over most opposing players. Parsons is also a decent outside shooter, but he does most of his damage attacking the basket. And, with the addition of Macklin, Parsons might be the odd man out as far as the starting lineup is concerned. Kenny Kadji is yet another sophomore who had a decent freshman season. He only averaged 12.5 minutes per game, but Kadji is a big body who can grab rebounds and block shots.

Who to Watch:

Tyus had to play the five spot most of last season and he is best suited to be a power forward. Still he averaged 12.5 points per game and led the team in rebounding and blocked shots. If Macklin can make the impact that most Florida fans hope, without getting into too much foul trouble and if Kadji can play about 20 minutes per game, Tyus will be able to spend almost all of his time at the four spot and that means the 6-8 junior will have a great year.

Final Projection:

The frontcourt is very underappreciated. If Parsons, who averaged 9.2 points and 5.7 rebounds as a sophomore, is coming off the bench, that is some quality depth at Coach Billy Donovan’s disposal. The rebounding issues of a year ago will be gone and Walker and Boynton will give the backcourt plenty of scoring punch. That leaves it up to the defense as the difference between an NCAA appearance and another disappointing trip to the NIT.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:

Erving Walker, Sophomore, Guard 10.1 points per game

Kenny Boynton, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season

Dan Werner, Senior, Forward, 8.9 points per game

Alex Tyus, Junior, Forward, 12.5 points per game

Vernon Macklin, Junior, Center, DNP last season

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