While the Gators were practicing on the court before the NCAA Tournament, Will Yeguete was busy in the weight room.
After missing UF’s final nine games last year with a fractured left foot, the 6-foot-7 Yeguete added 16 pounds during the offseason to put his weight at 240. The junior forward said he has dropped about 1 to 2 percent of his body fat since last season.
Yeguete said he bulked up to prepare for minutes at center.
Junior center Patric Young saw the difference in Yeguete’s conditioning while guarding him in practice.
“It’s a big improvement from last year,” Young said. “He doesn’t get pushed around anymore at all. He’s made his presence very known, especially in the post offensively and defensively. It’s really hard to push that guy anywhere anymore.”
Yeguete attributes his improved physique to the non-traditional workouts of strength and conditioning coordinator Preston Greene. Throughout the offseason, Greene had the Gators pushing and pulling trucks, flipping tires and running with 150-pound punching bags.
“At the end of the summer, you’re like, ‘Wow, I really gained like 15 to 20 pounds,’” Yeguete said. “We just went through so much grinding every week. Preston had us going really hard every single day.”
Yeguete thinks his chiseled frame will help his post game. He averaged 4.4 points per game in 26 contests last season.
Although his offensive repertoire is usually limited to dunks and layups, Yeguete shot 58.1 percent from the field in 2011-12, the second-best clip on the team after Young (.618).
Yeguete was one of Florida’s best defenders last season, averaging 1.2 steals per game and a team-high 11.5 rebounds per 40 minutes. He also drew nine charges, which was third best on the squad.
Although Yeguete is mostly practicing at power forward and center, coach Billy Donovan is experimenting with Yeguete playing all three frontcourt positions.
“I’m willing to do anything for the team,” Yeguete said. “I personally think I can guard a small forward. If we want to try it out, I’d be willing to do that.”
Harris has surgery: Damontre Harris underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair a labrum tear in his shoulder. The 6-foot-10 center will be out of full-contact practice for four to six months, Donovan said.
Harris, a South Carolina transfer, suffered the dislocated shoulder and labrum tear when a teammate fell on him in practice more than a week ago.
He begins his rehab today and will wear a sling for six weeks. Donovan hopes to have Harris back for non-contact drills in December.
Junior Will Yeguete poses during UF’s media day on Oct. 10. Yeguete added muscle during the offseason to prepare for time at center.
