When the Gators and Hoyas take the court on the deck of the USS Bataan tonight, chills will run down their spines for reasons other than patriotism.
The conditions on the deck of the amphibious assault ship will present some obstacles for No. 10 Florida and Georgetown when the teams square off at 9 p.m. in the Navy-Marine Corps Classic at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville.
Tonight’s forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-50s with winds of 4 miles per hour, according to Weather.com.
"The players always use the phrase ‘get cold on the bench’ when they’re sitting out, but I’ll literally be cold on the bench if I’m sitting out," said junior Patric Young, a Jacksonville native. "The last time I played basketball outside had to be in middle school. It’s going to bring back some old-school memories."
The windy weather could affect the game plan for the Gators, whose strength lies in three-point shooting. Shot selection, gathering loose balls and rebounding will all be key, coach Billy Donovan said.
"Even in a regular situation, if we were running down and taking quick threes, I wouldn’t be happy," Donovan said.
"We can’t totally alter everything we’re doing because we’re outside."
Senior Kenny Boynton believes the wind will be a major factor.
"If the shots aren’t falling, I think we’ve got to get to the hole," Boynton said.
"The numbers from the Michigan State-North Carolina game, I don’t think any team shot well. We have to get fouled, get to the hole more."
When North Carolina and Michigan State played on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson in the Carrier Classic on Nov. 11, 2011, in San Diego, they shot a combined 6 for 32 beyond the arc.
Donovan sought advice from Spartans coach Tom Izzo about how to deal with playing outside.
Michigan State’s situation was different, because warmer temperatures in San Diego resulted in condensation on the court during the 7 p.m. contest.
Florida and Georgetown each had shootarounds on the deck of the ship Thursday to get a feel for the conditions.
"The court seemed fine," Georgetown coach John Thompson III said.
"Because of the issues that happened last year, the people involved in putting on the game are thinking about it. The key is safety. … I’m telling my guys it’s not going to affect them at all. That’s how we’re approaching it."
Navy-Marine Corps Classic organizers have discussed placing heaters behind both benches, Donovan said.
Also, the NCAA has approved long-sleeve shirts for both teams to wear in the game.
Despite all the chatter about the weather and patriotic implications for tonight’s season opener, Florida and Georgetown have tuned out the distractions.
"No matter how hyped up the game is, you still have to go out there and play," Young said. "You can’t be caught up in the moment. You just have to realize it’s another game when we step on the court."
Florida guard Kenny Boynton attempts a floater against Nebraska-Kearney during UF’s 101-71 win on Nov. 1 in the O’Connell Center.
