When Florida fell to 0-3 in SEC play for the first time in decades, it was taken as an opportunity for some to shovel more dirt on the shallow grave that some have put the Gators in during their run of NCAA Tournament appearances, however brief. And when Colin Castleton was first ruled out of the Gators’ plans shortly afterward, things looked dire for the Gators’ chances of making another trip to March Madness.
No one has properly informed these Gators that they need to play dead, though — or if anyone has, they’re not listening. 6-2 since that 0-3 start to SEC play, 5-2 against SEC teams in that stretch, 5-2 without Castleton, and a rather stunning 3-0 since losing Jason Jitoboh for the season to go with Castleton’s injury, the Gators have made a recent habit of clambering out of holes, coming back for victories over Oklahoma State, Missouri, and Ole Miss in their last three games.