Let's just be blunt, shall we?
The Gators' most experienced and polished frontcourt player will not play this season.
And those aren't my words. That's what Billy Donovan said about Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin, who has to sit out this season due to NCAA rules.
Instead, all that stands between opponents and the basket will be an immobile Dan Werner, an inexperienced Alex Tyus and three freshmen who still have the stench of their high-school science projects on their bodies.
Good luck, gentlemen.
Wait, have 18-year-olds even been around long enough to be considered "gentlemen" yet? These are kids who were born in the '90s, after all.
Be hopeful if you wish, but not even Joakim Noah made an impact his freshman year. Al Horford had about as good a year as he could've in his freshman campaign, but he had the aid of David Lee with him in the paint.
Several players couldn't even explain why this season will be different than the last one - when the Gators didn't make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years. Granted, they said it was too early in the preseason to see a difference, but doesn't it make you squirm a bit when there aren't noticeable differences?
Even Donovan said being a year older does not guarantee improvement. When your entire team returns - sans an NBA-departed Marreese Speights - and there's no discussion of big leaps, that should make your stomach yearn for some Pepto Bismol.
"History tells me when you're dealing with big men that they're a little slower to develop," Donovan said.
It looks like history is about to repeat itself.
There was a reason why UF had one of the highest-ranked recruiting classes by media outlets. Kenny Kadji, Eloy Vargas and even Allan Chaney all have the skills to be successful at the college level, possibly even at the Horford-Noah-type plateau.
It's just not legitimate to expect them to be quality contributors for now.
"It's hard for me with three freshmen in our frontcourt to expect them to be consistent performers," Donovan said.
"I'm not going into the season with the idea that somebody is going to emerge. We have to go into the season with the idea that, based on any given night, we have to play the guy that, based on his level of play, can help us that particular night."
Oh my. That, readers, is a problem.
Yes, three years ago, many of the same doubts surrounded then-sophomores Noah, Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green. To expect this group to repeat what was perhaps the most unique - and weirdest - group of college basketball players ever is about as realistic as my dream that Carrie Underwood will come sauntering into the Alligator office. (By the way, if any of you make that happen, I'll write whatever you want).
This team is young and that means they have room to grow. Unfortunately for them, a growth spurt is probably a year away. For now, we're talking about teenagers who can still fit in their prom tuxes.
