Although Jennifer George was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2012, Big Blue still makes her see red.
In Florida’s 69-66 season-opening loss to Michigan last year, George played her least productive game of the season. She played just 25 minutes and missed her only shot. She also picked up two fouls.
More than a year later, George still has a bad taste in her mouth. She believes the Gators should have defeated the Wolverines.
“My performance just was not very good,” George said. “I definitely have a chip on my shoulder. I have to redeem myself.”
George will have her chance for redemption Saturday as Florida (5-2) travels to Ann Arbor to face Michigan (5-2) at 2 p.m. in the Crisler Center.
UF will be looking to earn its first victory in a true road game this season. Florida lost 98-67 at Florida State on Nov. 15.
Coach Amanda Butler said she expects more from her team — especially George, the team’s only senior.
“[George] played a really good game against Florida State in some very adverse conditions,” Butler said. “Other than that, I think she has been a little bit less than what she’s capable of, but I think she knows that.”
George averages a team-leading 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season. In 2011-12, she paced the Gators with 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
George’s rebounding is down, and Butler said she is looking to see improvement in that area.
Though the scoring numbers are similar, defenses have caused problems for George by targeting her this season.
As a junior, George exceeded expectations. In 33 games, she notched 15 double-doubles — the eighth-most in a season in school history.
Opponents are focused on stopping her this season. Butler said UF’s best player will have to fight through the increased attention.
“People are game planning for her,” Butler said. “That doesn’t mean she needs to shoot less or expect less. She just has to have a mindset of readiness for that and handle it and adjust to whatever they’re doing.”
Defenses have frequently double-teamed and occasionally triple-teamed George this season.
Redshirt freshman Carlie Needles spent last year on the bench after suffering a torn ACL during the preseason. Though she didn’t play, Needles remembers UF’s frustrations after losing to Michigan.
Needles said each of the returning players wants to make amends for last season’s loss.
“We know what happened last year and how we didn’t come ready to play,” Needles said. “There’s always a payback for a team that you lose to.”
Though Butler does not want her players to place excessive emphasis on one game, she realizes the added motivation may be the push George needs to begin reaching her potential.
“The best is yet to come for Jennifer,” Butler said. “Her performance last year (against Michigan) — hopefully that will be a little bit more fuel on the fire for her.”
Forward Jennifer George drives along the baseline during Florida’s 72-45 win against Belmont on Nov. 29, 2011, in the O’Connell Center.
