The Florida Gators tip off their season in less than three days and coaches in the SEC college basketball realm voted which players are destined to break out in 2023.
Florida guard [autotag]Riley Kugel[/autotag] is returning to the starting five this season, and is set up to lead the Gators to a turnaround season.
Kugel was an important weapon last season, replacing the production role after forward Colin Castleton was ruled out for the season with a broken right hand.
The Orlando, Florida native averaged 9.9 points a game while racking up 12.6 points against SEC opponents.
Kug.#GoGators pic.twitter.com/dliWYpu8mT
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) November 2, 2023
Head coach Todd Golden said in a press conference at the end of last season that Kugel did more than well when it came to taking over the leadership role.
“Riley had done a really good job in his role being efficient,” Golden said. “And now, you know, he’s asked to use even more possessions, which is hard to do.”
Kugel and the Florida Gators will attempt to make an opening impression against the Loyola Greyhounds on Nov. 6. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
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