Gak provides surprise support for Gators
contribution to the Florida Gators postseason run is not easily noticeable, especially for those who simply look at box scores. Florida coach
will be the first to tell anyone that the 6-foot-11 Australian’s play the past two games has been just as instrumental as that of leading scorer or point guard
Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Florida was reeling after two consecutive losses to Vanderbilt and had lost three of its past four games. The reason seemed directly linked to the lack of production from the post position after UF starting center suffered an ACL injury with five games remaining in the regular season.
Gak didn’t figure to be instrumental. He had played in just four of the Gators final 20 regular-season game; 18 total minutes. Going into the NCAA tourney however, he knew he’d have to provide some relief for new starting center
“He's a guy [who was] sprinting up and down the court after sitting on the bench for about 10 games,” White said. “You think he’d be a little stiff. He was running up and down like a deer. He's a really talented guy. He's got good hands. He had a couple tough catches. Had a couple big finishes. Here he is in the NCAA Tournament without much experience, period. Really happy for him. It was needed. [He’s] going to be a good player for us.”
Gak played seven minutes in the opening-round win over East Tennessee State, scoring four points and pulling down a rebound. Against Virginia, his coach showed more confidence, giving him 10 minutes of action and the 6-foot-11 Gak responded with six points and two rebounds, including two big dunks that kept Florida’s momentum rolling at key moments.
“I’ve just learned to always stay ready and I’ve performed lately when coaches called my number out,” Gak said. “I just watch and try to see what’s going on in the game so whenever coach calls my number I just be ready.” on Friday night to respond to CBS college basketball analyst continuing to pick against his Gators’ basketball team in the NCAA Tournament.
Davis, who was quick to pick East Tennessee State over Florida in Selection Sunday, also picked Virginia to defeat Florida in the second round in Orlando last weekend.
Davis picked Wisconsin this time, and Stricklin tweeted, “Seth picks against the Gators … again. Don’t change a good thing. Thanks, Seth! #GoGators”
Ahead of Friday night’s NCAA Tournament East Region semifinal against Florida at Madison Square Garden, Wisconsin forward
blasted the host city in the New York Daily News.
“I don’t really like New York. It’s too big, it’s dirty, there’s trash everywhere, too many people. It’s cold right now,” Hayes was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
Not all athletes in town for the NCAA Tournament shared Hayes’ sentiments.
Florida’s Robinson, whose Gators lost 84-74 to Duke at Madison Square Garden in the Jimmy V Classic earlier in the season, praised the arena.
“It feels good. I want to try to get a win this time,” Robinson said. “It just feels good to be in the mecca of basketball in Madison Square Garden. A lot of great guys came through this building. Guys still play in this building [who are] real good, so it’s just a great experience overall.”
Hill added: “I definitely think it adds something. … It's definitely fun playing in here and it's going to be exciting.”