With every key player returning from last season, Florida will not experience much change in its lineup.
And the Gators hope that experience can help them avoid a chronic problem from the 2010-11 campaign — turnovers.
Coach Amanda Butler’s squad ranked next to last in the Southeastern Conference last season with a minus-1.23 turnover margin per game.
One of the contributing factors to that issue was Florida’s switch to a more up-tempo style on the court.
While Butler does not like to see mistakes from her team, she tends to be more forgiving if her players slip up while playing aggressively.
“Mistakes are going to happen, and when you play fast, then you’re trying to force the action, which we try to do on both ends of the floor,” Butler said. “Turnovers are sometimes the negative byproduct of that.”
Florida was ultimately undone by turnovers last season, leading the SEC with 614 giveaways.
The Gators’ inability to effectively take care of the basketball partially stemmed from the squad’s lack of experience playing together.
Half of last season’s roster played for Florida for the first time in 2010-11, but the team is in a much better position one year later, returning 10 players.
“Everybody just knows that there’s no more excuses,” sophomore guard Brittany Shine said. “No more time to say, ‘Oh, we’re young, we’re not experienced.’”
With a full season and summer workouts under their belts, the Gators now have increased confidence.
Time has allowed the players to learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses on the court.
“We’re jelling together, our communication is better, and I just feel like we’re going to be a solid core this year,” senior guard Deana Allen said. “We’re not new to anything.”
Defensively, the Gators racked up 571 takeaways last season, which is an adequate mark considering they ranked seventh in the conference.
But the defense still needs work, as Florida surrendered 64.5 points per game, the third-worst mark in the conference.
“Our intensity, especially on defense, is more of an emphasis this year,” sophomore guard Jaterra Bonds said. “Dead balls (are) kind of like the emphasis.
“When somebody picks up the ball, [Butler] wants all the lanes closed off, so nobody else can get it.”
Deaundra Young transferring: Sophomore forward Deaundra Young is transferring from Florida, making her decision on Oct. 6, according to a UF spokesperson.
Young, who averaged 4.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season, missed the final nine games due to a foot injury, which required surgery in the offseason.
“She’s a good person and a good teammate, and we wish the best for her,” guard Jordan Jones said.
“Obviously, she wasn’t happy here.”
“We’re fine with where we are — this is what we’re going to have this season and this is what we’re excited to be playing with.”
Senior guard Deana Allen said Florida is not new to anything this year. After having six newcomers join the team last season, the Gators struggled with turnovers.
