Florida Basketball Is Having Arguably Its Most Important Week Since Back-To-Back Titles

Mike White, man. He could have the most important week in Florida basketball since the Gators won back-to-back titles and then since they hired him. Here’s what I said about White a few weeks ago:

A few years back, the SEC made a big time effort in bringing in known basketball coaches. Over these last few years we’ve seen names like Rick Barnes, Bruce Pearl, Bryce Drew, Avery Johnson, Ben Howland, Will Wade and Cuonzo Martin all hired within the conference.

However, the one that is going to end up going down as the best hire is down in Florida and Mike White. 

Just as important though he’s starting to build something. The first couple years of a new coach is always a bit different as you wonder how much it is the coach vs players brought in by the previous coaching staff. With White that’s not the case

This continues to be true as he just brought in Tre Mann, a top-30 prospect in the class of 2019. Mann chose Florida yesterday over North Carolina and Tennessee. He has the No. 19 recruiting class coming in this year, led by 5-star point guard Andrew Nembhard and 4-star shooting guard Noah Locke.

Now look at what he’s doing. He just got a commitment from a top-35 player in Omar Payne. More importantly the Gators beat out Florida State for the Montverde Academy star. Payne is known for being a shot blocker in part to his 7’5″ wingspan while standing at 6’9″. He’s someone that can immediately step in next season and join this young core of guys that are blending with experienced role players.

But, here’s where it becomes the most important week for the program in 10 years or so.

Scottie Lewis, a 5-star player and top-15 player in the class is set to decide between Florida and Kentucky this week. He’s someone who can change the program and especially the way these top prospects look at Mike White and Florida. Yeah, the Gators have 5-star Andrew Nembhard, but he’s not viewed as high as a prospect as Lewis is. Plus, beating out Kentucky for a player like that immediately gives Florida a plus for next season.

If Florida can go into the season with Lewis, Nembhard, Mann, Payne and Locke as the core for next season you’re talking about a group that can challenge for national titles – assuming everyone lives up to the hype. Florida is viewed as the favorite to land Lewis, but there has been a late push by Kentucky.

Get excited Florida fans. You guys have one great head coach that’s turning this program back around.