During the 2023-24 season, Florida’s offense wasn’t an issue. The Gators were 12th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency metric, and they semi-regularly put up triple digit score numbers that had opponent’s on their heels whenever they brought the ball up the court. Unfortunately, things weren’t so good on the defensive end which ultimately led to Florida’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament.
Going into the 2024-25 season Todd Golden and his staff were determined to improve the defense from the 94th KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency mark they finished with the year prior. That meant bringing in Alijah Martin, Rueben Chinyelu, and Sam Alexis–three players known more for their ability to guard than their ability to put the ball in the hoop.