Florida’s defense was one of the strongest in the nation in 2012-13.
This year’s unit has work to do before it reaches that level of production.
Last season, the Gators limited opponents to a 38.2 field goal percentage, which was the best in the Southeastern Conference.
Florida also finished first in the nation, allowing 54.4 points per game en route to a third consecutive trip to the Elite Eight.
Fewer than two weeks from the start of this season, coach Billy Donovan believes the unit has regressed considerably.
“We’re nowhere near the defensive team we were a year ago,” Donovan said.
“I mean we’re not even remotely close.”
Donovan has stressed the importance of remaining poised during games, which was a problem at times last season, to this year’s unit.
“There were times where adversity would hit our team,” he said.
“We would get fractured. And I don’t mean fractured from the standpoint of guys finger-pointing.
“But Scottie (Wilbekin) turns the ball over (and) he’s consumed with the turnover and he’s down or he’s disappointed in himself and he’s consumed with that play. Another guy missed a little short jump-hook in the lane or missed a layup and he’s consumed with that play. And before you know it, you’ve got guys that are all kind of involved in their own little world.”
Center Patric Young said there is hope for this year’s team to match and even surpass the defense of a year ago. But much like Donovan, Young has placed an added emphasis on team defense.
“We can’t go in there expecting to just walk in and be good on that same level,” Young said. “I think we don’t trust each other as well on defense as far as knowing that there’s a next man there to help you out. Because that’s all what defense is about: help.”
Donovan said his players are not passing the blame or being selfish. Instead, they are beating themselves up so much for bad plays that they forget they have the rest of the team to help on the following play.
Even without Will Yeguete (knee) and several other Gators who are battling injuries, Donovan said the defense will make great strides if the remaining players can have short memories.
“Sometimes our guys, at times, have been way too hard on themselves,” he said.
“They make a mistake, they get so upset and frustrated and down on themselves and don’t realize there’s another play coming. Because if you’re going back on defense and you’re coming off of a turnover, you still have an opportunity to stop them. But you’re not going to stop them if one of you’re guys is worrying about the previous play and is not engaged in the next play.”
Michael Frazier II, who played under Donovan for the USA men’s U19 team over the summer, said he knows first-hand how easily it is to get caught up in mistakes after he struggled with his shot in the FIBA tournament.
“Talking with my coaches that were there with me, they were saying I was just thinking about it too much,” Frazier said. “That’s something we all can get better at as a team.”
Follow Jonathan Czupryn on Twitter @jczupryn.
Patric Young poses for a photo during Florida’s basketball media day. The senior center, who averaged 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season, is hoping to help the Gators improve on defense in 2013-14.
