Florida’s performance this season has been somewhat of a puzzle.
All of the parts are there. It’s now become a matter of fitting them together.
That’s the sentiment surrounding UF after suffering a stinging defeat to Brown this past weekend.
“It’s just a matter of putting (the pieces) in the right order so the picture looks the way it’s supposed to,” coach Amanda Butler said. “We’re still just a piece out of joint here, missing a piece there. We’ve got to get everyone on the same page. We’ve got to continue to find ways to improve.”
But time for improvement is of the essence.
Florida (7-2) is back on the court tonight at 7 to take on Harvard (4-2) in the O’Connell Center and the opening of Southeastern Conference play looms on the horizon.
Despite limitations in practice time, Butler said she expects a quick turnaround from her team.
She questioned the players’ maturity in the upset loss to Brown and said her team needs to prove how serious it is about championships.
“No discredit to Brown, whatsoever, but we played really, really poorly,” Butler said. “I think it was a direct result of lack of leadership and maturity, and I think our team knows that as well. It doesn’t take a coach to figure that out.”
Florida sports a roster filled with inexperience, but Butler said she pressures certain players to take on a leadership role. She relies on the point guards, the team’s captains (Azania Stewart and Jordan Jones), and lone senior Ebonie Crawford to set an example.
But Stewart, who nearly posted five consecutive double-doubles in the team’s first six games, has since disappeared. She played a scant 16 minutes against Brown and has combined for just eight points and four rebounds in her last two games.
“I fully expect her to show a champion’s response on and off the court,” Butler said. “She knows she’s capable of a bigger leadership role. I think we’re going to see a different person when we take the floor [today].”
Harvard should provide more than an adequate test for Stewart and the Gators. The Crimson have won five Ivy League championships since 2002 and Butler said they play a smart brand of basketball.
“They are just as you would close your eyes and imagine Harvard to be,” Butler said, commending the Crimson’s intelligence. “They’re very well-rounded. Harvard has kind of dominated that league. We’re going to have our hands full, certainly.”
The Gators will have some additional pieces to fit back in against Harvard as Butler said freshman guard Brittany Shine was cleared to play after suffering an ankle injury that kept her out of the team’s last three games.
Also, the ankle injury that has limited freshman Jaterra Bonds is inching closer to 100 percent. The two guards are instrumental to Florida’s up-tempo style and contributions from both will be essential against a talented Harvard team.
