Despite a three-week bout with mononucleosis during the offseason, Patric Young passed his conditioning test on Tuesday, coach Billy Donovan said. The junior center returned to workouts on Sept. 19.
“I would say a year ago, him coming off of mono, he would have never had a chance to pass it,” Donovan said. “I’ve seen some growth in him in that area.”
The 6-foot-9, 249-pound Young had trouble dealing with fatigue as a first-time starter for Florida last season. He averaged only 26.5 minutes per game.
Young would have logged more time last season if he had maintained his intensity and done a better job of dealing with the bumps and bruises that come with increased action, Donovan said.
“If you look at any frontcourt player that we’ve had here that’s been really effective, they’ve had a great ability to endure physical conditioning, and they’ve been able to play through fatigue,” Donovan said. “I think from a maturity standpoint, that’s an area where Patric has got to get better.”
Young’s stamina issues also put him in foul trouble in 2011-12. He led UF with 99 fouls.
Now healthy, Young is preparing for the increased minutes.
“Coach Donovan took me into his office the other day and … just told me there’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to play 32-35 minutes a game,” Young said. “I’m like ‘That’s a lot, but I can do it.’ It’s all mental.”
Larson not on scholarship: Sophomore forward Cody Larson is no longer on scholarship but chose to return to the Gators as a walk-on, Donovan said Wednesday.
Donovan’s decision was based on Larson’s failure to handle his responsibilities on and off the court last season. Larson and senior Erik Murphy were arrested in April 2011 on charges of third-degree felony burglary. Larson previously received two years probation in February 2010 after sharing Hydrocodone pills with a teammate.
“Obviously, I was disappointed, but I knew it was coming,” Larson said.
Larson averaged 0.5 points and 0.8 rebounds per game last year.
Donovan said Larson was given the option to transfer.
“I’m as proud of Cody today and maybe more so than I ever have been,” Donovan said. “I’ve seen a total change in him from the time the season ended last year to now up to this point in time. I think he can be a productive player for us in the future.”
Larson’s switch to walk-on status leaves Florida with 13 scholarship players, right at the NCAA maximum.
“This is the best place for me, whether I’m on scholarship or not,” Larson said. “It’s perfect for me because I lost my scholarship. That sounds weird. But in life, that’s what’s going to make me become a man. I’m going to learn from this stuff.”
Junior Patric Young poses for a picture during basketball media day on Wednesday. Due to an added year of experience, the center is expected to play more minutes this season.
