Game Preview: Florida kicks off SEC play at home against Kentucky

The calendar has turned over to 2024, which means it’s time for SEC basketball to begin. The Florida Gators host the Kentucky Wildcats first.

Florida basketball finished the non-conference schedule with a 10-3 record, including a pair of Quadrant 1 and 2 wins against Pitt and Richmond.

But now it is time for conference play to begin, and Florida will regularly face other SEC teams with the NCAA Tournament in their sights. So far, Todd Golden’s group has looked every bit the part of a Tournament team, but this is where an at-large bid can be locked up.

Make no mistake, starting off 2024 with an upset win over No. 6 Kentucky would provide a massive confidence boost to Florida’s roster.

It won’t be easy, though. The Wildcats are ranked in the top 10 for a reason, and John Calipari has assembled an incredibly talented (yet young) team.

Here is everything you need to know before the game on Saturday.