Loyalty and being an excellent teammate go a long way in my book!
And from his HS Sr season to now, he's worked his butt off on getting better at his job. He's a very solid young man from what I've seen...
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2024-25 Basketball,,, all things considered...
- Thread starter instaGATOR
- Start date
Loyalty and being an excellent teammate go a long way in my book!
And from his HS Sr season to now, he's worked his butt off on getting better at his job. He's a very solid young man from what I've seen...
Here's some bored off-season fan drivel for ya, feel free to add your own....
In basketball offense there are 3 things that you can do when you get the ball.
1. Shoot it
2. Pass it.
3. Dribble drive to the basket with it.
You should do one of those 3 things within a couple of seconds of getting it.
=====
What you don't want done with it is:
1. Stand around holding on to it.
2. Dribble around with it to no purpose wasting game clock.
3. Get it stolen from you.
Those are the iG's simplistic 'In General' rules on offense, understanding that time, score, and some other factors can play a role in what you're doing in a live game.
I think that these Gators are better when they are playing FAST, but maybe that's just me?
In basketball offense there are 3 things that you can do when you get the ball.
1. Shoot it
2. Pass it.
3. Dribble drive to the basket with it.
You should do one of those 3 things within a couple of seconds of getting it.
=====
What you don't want done with it is:
1. Stand around holding on to it.
2. Dribble around with it to no purpose wasting game clock.
3. Get it stolen from you.
Those are the iG's simplistic 'In General' rules on offense, understanding that time, score, and some other factors can play a role in what you're doing in a live game.
I think that these Gators are better when they are playing FAST, but maybe that's just me?
How fans in general judge coaches runs through many different factors imo
Aritcles with Agenda's are infamous for doing this, both for and against.
Cherry-pickin' the stats, W/L records, and general coaching acceptance.....
Golden was the first HC since 2003 to get a,,, Top 10 win on the road.
BillyD with the 2x NC 04's never accomplished it and never did it again while at UF.
That's showing it's importance to me as a fan...
-----
The Gators' scoring offense in 2023-24 was the highest in program history with an astounding 85.7 Pts/Gm, good for sixth nationally.
Whoop-eeeeeeee!
UF 70 - 73 Va
UF 71 - 82 WF
UF 66 - 85 TN
UF 66 - 67 aTm
UF 76 - 82 SCa
UF 78 - 79 VU
UF 67 - 86 AU - in the SEC Tourney final.
That kinda puts a wet rag on that 85.7 Pts/Gm average for me....
Even when scoring that 85+ average....
UF 91 - 95 Baylor
UF 85 - 87 UK
UF 85 - 103 MS
UF 93 - 98 UA -- in OT
UF 100 - 102 Colo -- going 1 & Done inn the Big Dance
https://www.si.com/college/florida/todd-golden-florida-gators-headed-right-direction-01j06rpykdxj
=====
Recruiting, both HS and X-fers, often factor in this area, with the slants from articles.
2024 Recruits are still visiting to see if UF is the place they want to be at?
Current HS Class is SG Isaiah Brown (signed NLI) and PWO C Olivier Rioux.
(the iG didn't realize that Rioux was a PWO)
PG Jeremiah Johnson is ranked as the 141st-best player and the 13th-best PG.
PG Keyshuan Tillery is ranked as the 135th best player and the 25th best PG.
"With both of these prospects visiting, it seems Gators’ Head Coach Todd Golden is planning for the future after adding tons of veteran experience through the portal over the last two years."
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...hosting-nationally-ranked-guards-01j04znt23k5
Here's to hoping that us long time Gator fans get to see even better B-Ball in the coming season.
Aritcles with Agenda's are infamous for doing this, both for and against.
Cherry-pickin' the stats, W/L records, and general coaching acceptance.....
Golden was the first HC since 2003 to get a,,, Top 10 win on the road.
BillyD with the 2x NC 04's never accomplished it and never did it again while at UF.
That's showing it's importance to me as a fan...
-----
The Gators' scoring offense in 2023-24 was the highest in program history with an astounding 85.7 Pts/Gm, good for sixth nationally.
Whoop-eeeeeeee!
UF 70 - 73 Va
UF 71 - 82 WF
UF 66 - 85 TN
UF 66 - 67 aTm
UF 76 - 82 SCa
UF 78 - 79 VU
UF 67 - 86 AU - in the SEC Tourney final.
That kinda puts a wet rag on that 85.7 Pts/Gm average for me....
Even when scoring that 85+ average....
UF 91 - 95 Baylor
UF 85 - 87 UK
UF 85 - 103 MS
UF 93 - 98 UA -- in OT
UF 100 - 102 Colo -- going 1 & Done inn the Big Dance
https://www.si.com/college/florida/todd-golden-florida-gators-headed-right-direction-01j06rpykdxj
=====
Recruiting, both HS and X-fers, often factor in this area, with the slants from articles.
2024 Recruits are still visiting to see if UF is the place they want to be at?
Current HS Class is SG Isaiah Brown (signed NLI) and PWO C Olivier Rioux.
(the iG didn't realize that Rioux was a PWO)
PG Jeremiah Johnson is ranked as the 141st-best player and the 13th-best PG.
PG Keyshuan Tillery is ranked as the 135th best player and the 25th best PG.
"With both of these prospects visiting, it seems Gators’ Head Coach Todd Golden is planning for the future after adding tons of veteran experience through the portal over the last two years."
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...hosting-nationally-ranked-guards-01j04znt23k5
Here's to hoping that us long time Gator fans get to see even better B-Ball in the coming season.
Gators are so much better offensively under Golden. No doubt he's proven that. Now he needs to get more Ws. Ultimately getting championship competitive again soon is how he will be, and should be judged.
Donovan didn't play any top 10 teams in a true road game I think the 2 championship seasons and only played one in the 04/05 season I think. Those are tough wins to get though.
Where Former Gators Are Playing Professionally | GatorCountry.com
www.gatorcountry.com
Great to see Big Al win a chip. Good group of gators in that article.Where Former Gators Are Playing Professionally | GatorCountry.com
Great article. Love hearing the success some of those guys are having.Where Former Gators Are Playing Professionally | GatorCountry.com
7'6" is more like it
Oh........that's more believable and totally normal.
😂The article I read said he's grown another inch or two since signing.
Holy crap. I've got to think he's going to be clumsy and awkward AF. That's insane!
He's definitely a project for next season. If he is getting any significant minutes that means we are injury riddled.Oh........that's more believable and totally normal.
The article I read said he's grown another inch or two since signing.
Holy crap. I've got to think he's going to be clumsy and awkward AF. That's insane!
At least put him in for the first 60 seconds of every game.......for the opening tip. 😂
You're right, he did grow about an inch or two, and 100lbs heavier than Manute Bol was.Oh........that's more believable and totally normal.
The article I read said he's grown another inch or two since signing.
Holy crap. I've got to think he's going to be clumsy and awkward AF. That's insane!
😳
Olivier Rioux is listed at 7-foot-9 on Florida's website, which would make him the tallest college basketball player ever. Rioux measuring at 7-9 is the result of a bit of a growth spurt. When Ballislife.com filmed him in November 2023, he was listed at 7-foot-6, (and 300 Lbs).
iG - Gaining height and losing weight, losing baby fat and/or developing playing muscle...
A three-inch gain over seven months is massive, especially for a guy who was already in the Guinness Book of World Records just two years ago for being the world's tallest teenager. He was 16 then, and already 7-foot-5. He told the Guinness Book of World Records website that his height is likely the result of having two very tall (though not record-breaking) parents. My father is 6’8, my mom is 6’2 and my older brother is 6’9. So we’re a pretty tall family!" Rioux said, according to Guinness.
According to GatorsWire, Rioux is considered a "developmental project" so not much is expected of him as a freshman. Then again, no one expected a 7-foot-5 16-year-old to grow four inches in two years, so anything is possible.
In the vids that I've watched, he doesn't look clumsy to me, but he should work on strength and speed with body control in order to reach his peak in basketball ability going forward.
In football, you can't coach raw speed, it's there or it's not.
Well, in basketball you can't coach raw height, you've either got it or you don't.
Now consider that Olivier can reach up and dunk without his feet leaving the floor..... 😲
https://www.aol.com/sports/7-foot-9-olivier-rioux-192230727.html
iG - Gaining height and losing weight, losing baby fat and/or developing playing muscle...
A three-inch gain over seven months is massive, especially for a guy who was already in the Guinness Book of World Records just two years ago for being the world's tallest teenager. He was 16 then, and already 7-foot-5. He told the Guinness Book of World Records website that his height is likely the result of having two very tall (though not record-breaking) parents. My father is 6’8, my mom is 6’2 and my older brother is 6’9. So we’re a pretty tall family!" Rioux said, according to Guinness.
According to GatorsWire, Rioux is considered a "developmental project" so not much is expected of him as a freshman. Then again, no one expected a 7-foot-5 16-year-old to grow four inches in two years, so anything is possible.
In the vids that I've watched, he doesn't look clumsy to me, but he should work on strength and speed with body control in order to reach his peak in basketball ability going forward.
In football, you can't coach raw speed, it's there or it's not.
Well, in basketball you can't coach raw height, you've either got it or you don't.
Now consider that Olivier can reach up and dunk without his feet leaving the floor..... 😲
https://www.aol.com/sports/7-foot-9-olivier-rioux-192230727.html
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Gators add 6-foot-11 Serbian center to 2024-25 roster
Florida head coach Todd Golden has added at least one international player to his first three rosters in Gainesville
247sports.com
Looks like another project type player with a huge upside.Gators add 6-foot-11 Serbian center to 2024-25 roster
Florida head coach Todd Golden has added at least one international player to his first three rosters in Gainesville
Many of us have been wanting better size and depth concerning the front court.
C Olivier Rioux 7-9 290 Fr - PWO
C Micah Handlogten 7-1 225 Jr -- (likely out for 2024-25 rehabbing injury)
C Viktor Mikic 6-11 235 Fr -- 5-Star Rivals Ranking
C Rueben Chinyelu 6-10 250 So
PF/C Alex Condon 6-11 230 So
PF/SF Thomas Haugh 6-9 210 So
PF Sam Alexis 6-8 240 Jr
I'll give Golden credit for doing so, but now they need to perform up to their size.
2 Jr's, 3 So's, 2 Fr, so looking good for the near future.
Micah-Alex-Thomas have already shown excellent quality.
So now the newbees need to step up and do likewise.
Just the iG's WAG, but the new coming season should be better than the last, but we'll see....
C Olivier Rioux 7-9 290 Fr - PWO
C Micah Handlogten 7-1 225 Jr -- (likely out for 2024-25 rehabbing injury)
C Viktor Mikic 6-11 235 Fr -- 5-Star Rivals Ranking
C Rueben Chinyelu 6-10 250 So
PF/C Alex Condon 6-11 230 So
PF/SF Thomas Haugh 6-9 210 So
PF Sam Alexis 6-8 240 Jr
I'll give Golden credit for doing so, but now they need to perform up to their size.
2 Jr's, 3 So's, 2 Fr, so looking good for the near future.
Micah-Alex-Thomas have already shown excellent quality.
So now the newbees need to step up and do likewise.
Just the iG's WAG, but the new coming season should be better than the last, but we'll see....
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C/PF Viktor Mikic 6-11 235 (***** Rivals Recruiting)
Mikic moved to the United States after a successful 2022-23 season in Serbia's Junior League, where he averaged 17.1 Pts, 10.3 Rbs, 0.9 Blks in 25.9 minutes per game across 19 appearances.
His Sr season at Chattanooga, TN Hamilton Heights HS in 2023-24:
In his only season of B-Ball in U.S.
He averaged - 14.3 Pts, 10.2 Rbs, and 1.3 Blks.
When a big man comes out of HS with a Double-Double average, he's not a developmental project to me, he's a potential starter and a sure thing part of the rotation... Or he's getting some early playing time at the very least....
I'd put this international C/PF Fr with PF/C Soph Condon to get him up to speed...
PF/C Alex Condon 6-11 230
C/PF Viktor Mikic 6-11 235
Talk about an energetic 1-2 Punch in the mouth....
Rooming him with the rehabbing Handlogten might also be a big plus on and off the court....
The PG - SG - Wing positions look deep & flexible to me.
Who they play in any game, and their minutes played, will vary by the opponent and who's hot.
Plenty of experience and talent to fill those 3 positions imo.
PG/SG/SF Denzel Aberdeen 6-5 190 Jr - FL All State 1st Team & 7A Champ
>> UF 44 Gms as backup - 125 Pts, 33 Rbs, 25 Asts, 13 Stls.
PG Kajus Kublickas 6-2 171 So - Lithuania
UF 9 Gms as backup - 7 Pts, 3 Rbs, 4 Asts, 1 Stl.
SG/PG Alijah Martin 6-2 210 Grad-Sr - FAU xfer 124 Gms, 86 Starts:
2023 16.5 PPG & made the Dance.
4 Yrs: 124 Gms, 86 Starts:
1,476 Pts, 242 3's, 616 Rbs, 173 Asts, 161 Stls, 75.9% FT
SG/PG Walter Clayton Jr 6-3 195 Sr - Iona xfer - 16.8 PPG - MAAC PoY
Soph Iona: 538 Pts, 136 Rbs, with 73 made 3's, 59 Stls, 95.3% FT's
At UF, 2x 2nd Team All SEC - 2024 All SEC Tourney Team
2023 17.6 PPG & made the Dance.
3 Yrs: 100 Gms, 71 Starts,
1,404 pts, 200 3's, 340 RBs, 250 Asts, 120 Stls, 88.1% FT
SG/SF Will Richard 6-4 206 Sr - Belmont xfer after Fr All OVC season.
Belmont - Averaged 12.1 Pts, 6.0 Rbs in 33 Gms, 30 starts, 46.8% FG, 80.4 FT - NIT
UF 2 Yrs 68 Gms, 65 Starts: 744 Pts, 11.3 PPG, 287 Rbs, 121 3's, 81.8% FT
SG/SF Isaiah Brown 6-4 195 Fr **** - 25-4 State Champ runner-up.
Averaged 18.6 PPG. Also finished in 2nd place in Slam Dunk Nationals.
Represented Puerto Rico at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup:
8.7 Pts, 4.5 Rbs and 1.2 Asts in 5 Gms.
PG Bennett Andersen 6-2 190 Grad-Sr PWO to Ship
3 Yr Team Manager, 2023 WO, 2024 Ship, 4 Gms, 2 Pts
3X UF intramural champion. -- HS Hillsborough Co All Star + T&F.
PG Cooper Josefsberg 6-4 195 So
WO - HS 3A Champ - UF Scout Team + 2 Gms
Late Edit Addition to the Roster:
CG Urban Klavzar 6-1 180 Fr - Age 20, Slovenian
Minimum Sweet-16 or BUST imoho.....
Who they play in any game, and their minutes played, will vary by the opponent and who's hot.
Plenty of experience and talent to fill those 3 positions imo.
PG/SG/SF Denzel Aberdeen 6-5 190 Jr - FL All State 1st Team & 7A Champ
>> UF 44 Gms as backup - 125 Pts, 33 Rbs, 25 Asts, 13 Stls.
PG Kajus Kublickas 6-2 171 So - Lithuania
UF 9 Gms as backup - 7 Pts, 3 Rbs, 4 Asts, 1 Stl.
SG/PG Alijah Martin 6-2 210 Grad-Sr - FAU xfer 124 Gms, 86 Starts:
2023 16.5 PPG & made the Dance.
4 Yrs: 124 Gms, 86 Starts:
1,476 Pts, 242 3's, 616 Rbs, 173 Asts, 161 Stls, 75.9% FT
SG/PG Walter Clayton Jr 6-3 195 Sr - Iona xfer - 16.8 PPG - MAAC PoY
Soph Iona: 538 Pts, 136 Rbs, with 73 made 3's, 59 Stls, 95.3% FT's
At UF, 2x 2nd Team All SEC - 2024 All SEC Tourney Team
2023 17.6 PPG & made the Dance.
3 Yrs: 100 Gms, 71 Starts,
1,404 pts, 200 3's, 340 RBs, 250 Asts, 120 Stls, 88.1% FT
SG/SF Will Richard 6-4 206 Sr - Belmont xfer after Fr All OVC season.
Belmont - Averaged 12.1 Pts, 6.0 Rbs in 33 Gms, 30 starts, 46.8% FG, 80.4 FT - NIT
UF 2 Yrs 68 Gms, 65 Starts: 744 Pts, 11.3 PPG, 287 Rbs, 121 3's, 81.8% FT
SG/SF Isaiah Brown 6-4 195 Fr **** - 25-4 State Champ runner-up.
Averaged 18.6 PPG. Also finished in 2nd place in Slam Dunk Nationals.
Represented Puerto Rico at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup:
8.7 Pts, 4.5 Rbs and 1.2 Asts in 5 Gms.
PG Bennett Andersen 6-2 190 Grad-Sr PWO to Ship
3 Yr Team Manager, 2023 WO, 2024 Ship, 4 Gms, 2 Pts
3X UF intramural champion. -- HS Hillsborough Co All Star + T&F.
PG Cooper Josefsberg 6-4 195 So
WO - HS 3A Champ - UF Scout Team + 2 Gms
Late Edit Addition to the Roster:
CG Urban Klavzar 6-1 180 Fr - Age 20, Slovenian
Minimum Sweet-16 or BUST imoho.....
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He's clearly a project player. He was 6'11 playing in Tennessee's private 1a division. Most of the schools he went up against tallest player 6'5 or so. In that division with his height he should have put up 20+ and 15+. He even said himself he was still adjusting to the American game. All of his offers were mid mid major type schools, with the exception of Rutgers. I love the pick up after all those years of small ball under White, and I think he will figure nicely in our rotations in a year or so.
Gators add Slovenian guard Urban Klavzar, complete 2024-25 roster
Urban Klavzar is a 6-foot-1 guard who has spent the last three seasons playing in Spain
247sports.com
Great add. Spain's pro league is one of the top 3 in the world, and the fact this young man has been playing effectively at their tier 2 is really solid. 20 year old who should be able to step in and help us immediately.Gators add Slovenian guard Urban Klavzar, complete 2024-25 roster
Urban Klavzar is a 6-foot-1 guard who has spent the last three seasons playing in Spain
ESPN's Too Early 2024-25 Basketball Team Ranking - 21. UF
=====
CG Urban Klavzar 6-1 180, Age 20 - Slovenian Natl. Team, played in Spain the last 3 seasons.
en.wikipedia.org
When Klavzar was 14, powerhouse Real Madrid signed him to a Pro contract.
Spanish League - 18.3 MPG - 8.9 Pt's, 0.8 Rb's, 1.5 Ast's, 0.3 Stl's
Klavzar looks to me like a candidate to be a factor in UF's PG-by-committee setup with:
Martin G-Sr, Clayton Sr, Aberdeen Jr, Kublickas So, Klavzar Fr.
Slovenian Natl. Team - 15.4 Pt's - 2.1 Rb's - 3.9 ast, 37.5% 3's.
Had a drop off in PPG, but an increase in Ast's and Rb's, while developing from a SG to a PG imo.
He still looks like a CG to me, and he will be playing behind all of UF's current/experienced CG/Wings.
Putting the best face on it,,,, He's an experienced scoring CG that's shooting 43% from deep and 83% on his FT's.
He's a great pick up for depth. It will be interesting to see which 5 players begin the season as the starters. And even more interesting to me, is watching to see how many Golden can get into the playing rotation for games.
(10+ the iG is hoping, to promote the - 'Work-um Silly Gators' credo)
More in-depth if you're interested...
www.gatorcountry.com
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CG Urban Klavzar 6-1 180, Age 20 - Slovenian Natl. Team, played in Spain the last 3 seasons.
Urban Klavžar - Wikipedia
When Klavzar was 14, powerhouse Real Madrid signed him to a Pro contract.
Spanish League - 18.3 MPG - 8.9 Pt's, 0.8 Rb's, 1.5 Ast's, 0.3 Stl's
Klavzar looks to me like a candidate to be a factor in UF's PG-by-committee setup with:
Martin G-Sr, Clayton Sr, Aberdeen Jr, Kublickas So, Klavzar Fr.
Slovenian Natl. Team - 15.4 Pt's - 2.1 Rb's - 3.9 ast, 37.5% 3's.
Had a drop off in PPG, but an increase in Ast's and Rb's, while developing from a SG to a PG imo.
He still looks like a CG to me, and he will be playing behind all of UF's current/experienced CG/Wings.
Putting the best face on it,,,, He's an experienced scoring CG that's shooting 43% from deep and 83% on his FT's.
He's a great pick up for depth. It will be interesting to see which 5 players begin the season as the starters. And even more interesting to me, is watching to see how many Golden can get into the playing rotation for games.
(10+ the iG is hoping, to promote the - 'Work-um Silly Gators' credo)
More in-depth if you're interested...
Gators Targeting Slovenian Point Guard Urban Klavzar | GatorCountry.com
www.gatorcountry.com
CG Urban Klavzar 6-1 180 Fr
Video Highlights of him are available at this site.
www.si.com
Video Highlights of him are available at this site.
Florida Gators Finalize Roster with Slovenian Guard
Florida Gators basketball coach Todd Golden looks ready to battle after filling his last roster spot with Slovenian guard Urban Klavzar.
I can't agree wid-ja here CG1,,, so consider this info....
You seem to think that he's only played B-Ball for one year in a small hoedunk U.S. HS, against short sub-calibre inferior HS kids talent....
Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hamilton Heights is a perennial powerhouse and has produced a number of top division-1 talent, including a number of centers. As a player, Mikic possesses great size and will not be out of place in the SEC at 6’11” and 235 pounds. Not only does he have true big man size, but he embraces the types of things you need from a center–physicality, toughness, and motor.
Before moving to America, Mikic played in the Serbian Junior League, where he also averaged a double-double.
Mikic is a 6’11” 235 center originally hailing from the basketball-crazed country of Serbia that has been producing elite hoops talent for decades. Identified as a quality player from early in teens, he was offered a position on the development roster of prestigious club Partizan Belgrade. Partizan is one of the top basketball clubs in all of Europe, and they have a reputation for developing elite homegrown talent.
After spending a couple of years in the U19 Partizan system, he moved to Dunav to play in the top league in Serbia and cut his teeth against professionals. This was while he was a mere 17 year old, and while there were growing pains, he was able to learn quickly playing in important games against men and finished the season averaging 6.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Where Mikic really started to get buzz was at the Adidas Next Generation tournament, an event featuring some of the top young players in Europe. In two summers playing in this key recruiting event, Mikic turned heads with his great size and production averaging 12.7 points and 8.4 rebounds while impacting the defensive end with his rim protection.
While Mikic won’t be relied on to play a huge role right away (due to the Gator's C/PF roster depth), he has the size, skill, and experience to transition to the SEC right away and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get in the rotation for a few minutes earlier than you might think.
And oh BTW, international 3-star Fr project Condon earned the SEC All Freshman 1st Team.
Condon 6-11 230 So ***
Mikic 6-11 235 Fr ***** (Rivals Recruit Ranking)
He's still trying to adjust to the American game. Said so himself. Great news is we finally have some depth among the bigs, so he can have a full year to improve while seeing a few minutes here and there. Condon had better stats against better competition. He was ready to go. This kid will need a year...hence project.
Opinionated stat-less claims are not the same thing as facts or proof.
C Viktor Mikic 6-11 235 Fr ***** (Rivals) - Serbia
Offers: UF, Rutgers, Elon, Hawaii, Marist, Valparaiso, TN-St, Bowling Green
Mikic moved to the United States after a successful 2022-23 season in Serbia's Junior League, where he averaged 17.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 25.9 minutes per game across 19 appearances.
Mikic looks like a Condon 2.0 to me, close to being clones.
I can't wait to see them both on the floor at the same time....
My jus-fo-fun run the opponents assoff roster:
Condon-Mikic-Haugh-Clayton-Zel
=====
#47 PF Alex Condon 6-11 230 So *** Natl. 247 (247) - Australia
"He chose the Gators over Saint Mary's and Utah"
"He's still relatively new to playing basketball, so he isn't equipped with the polish, namely the footwork or assortment of post moves"
Despite all of that, Condon was still named to the SEC All Fr Team.
Claiming that Condon played against better talent than Mikic did before they came to America is total BS imo,,, so show me.... 🤓
Total BS? First off the NBA Global Academy is spitting out D1 stars and some NBA draft picks. That is were Condon cut his teeth. Then for funsies he got to train with the Australian National Team..the same Australian team that just finished 3rd and 4th in the last two olympics. Mikic meanwhile got going in the serbian junior league which is basically Serbia's high school league. Then over to Chat Christain. Certainly a solid program in Tennessee's small private school division, not exactly facing top notch competition in that division. So you tell me, Condon banging around with Austrialian National Team that has 3-4 NBA players, or going head to head against 6'2 slow dudes in Tennessee...who was better prepared? As I said, I love the addition of project player Mikic. Huge upside and with a year of learning, I think he will be contributing greatly for UF...just not this year. You are welcome!
Which is obviously why Condon was rated a 3-Star,
while Mikic is rated a 5-Star.
Alex Condon - 6-11 230 So ***
Viktor Mikic -- 6-11 235 Fr *****
BTW, I don't want to see Viktor replace Alex, even if he could.
I instead what to see them both on the floor at the same time.
Now, try actually reading it this time around genius....
Mikic is a 6’11”, 235 center originally hailing from the basketball-crazed country of Serbia that has been producing elite hoops talent for decades.
Identified as a quality player from early in teens, he was offered a position on the development roster of prestigious club Partizan Belgrade. Partizan is one of the top basketball clubs in all of Europe, and they have a reputation for developing elite homegrown talent.
After spending a couple of years in the U19 Partizan system, he moved to Dunav to play in the top league in Serbia and cut his teeth against professionals. <<<-------<<<<<
Where Mikic really started to get buzz was at the Adidas Next Generation tournament, an event featuring some of the top young players in Europe. In two summers playing in this key recruiting event, Mikic turned heads with his great size and production averaging 12.7 points and 8.4 rebounds while impacting the defensive end with his rim protection.
Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hamilton Heights is a perennial powerhouse and has produced a number of top division-1 talent, including a number of centers.
Mikic possesses great size and will not be out of place in the SEC at 6’11” and 235 pounds. Not only does he have true big man size, but he embraces the types of things you need from a center–physicality, toughness, and motor. Mikic takes tremendous pride in his ability to rebound the ball on both ends, and considering Florida’s reliance on offensive rebounding Mikic is going to fit in just fine, but he might be even better as a passer who can see the whole floor and find cutters or open shooters when a double team occurs.
From a roster value standpoint, this is a tremendous get for the Gators, because he has the size, skill, and experience to transition to the SEC right away and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get in the rotation for a few minutes earlier than you might think.
The roster is solid with BIG's, so he might not play a lot due to that, but not because he needs a year or two to get up to SEC speed.
And this vid shows that he's slow, clumsy, and playing against guys that are barely 6' tall..... 🙄
You seem to be hedging saying there is a good chance he doesn't play much after arguing he already performed against real good competition. Which is it - Will he will play a lot or not? Many top star players are considered projects despite their ranking.
...first off he's not a 5 star. He has no ranking on rivals or 247. Outside of Rutgers our main comp for his services was Tennessee State. Remember, on rivals the stars need to be filled in with color, it seems you are not aware of that. Secondly, outside of 60 minutes with a low tier serbian team, the majority of his playing time came in the U18 Serbian Jr league, which is their high school level league. His Addidas next generation experience, you guessed it, was U19. Condon was playing against grown men, not teenagers in Australia. Great addition and with the experience we have this project should produce tremendous fruit.
Viktor is not rated on any of the recruiting services...which works great for us because I think he will be really good in a year or two.
Seeing what you choose to see vs just understanding what I wrote....
"The roster depth is solid with BIG's, so he might not play a lot due to that, but not because he needs a year or two to get up to SEC speed."
The Gator's 2024-25 Big Man C/PF roster:
C Micah Handlogten 7-1 235 Jr - injured out
C Rueben Chinyelu 6-10 250 So - WashSt xfer
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PF Sam Alexis 6-8 240 Jr - Chattanooga xfer
PF/C Alex Condon 6-11 230 So
PF/SF Thomas Haugh 6-9 210 So
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PF/C Viktor Mikic 6-11 235 Fr
C Olivier Rioux 7-9 290 Fr - PWO
A really good vid on Olivier imo.
He's the one that might need a year or two before getting a lot of playing time, or starting, but we'll see.
