First to a title, Muschamp or Donovan?

[Class of '78]

There are currently five elite programs ranked ahead of us, and at least 58 others chasing our tail. But knowing how deep and talented the 2012-13 version of Florida basketball is, I'm going to go out on an orange and blue limb and ask a silly question.

Is it premature to wonder in seriousness which UF program will be first to a national title, Muschamp's footballers or Donovan's hoopsters?

Better still, does it feel like 2006-07?

[Gatorbythebay]

It does feel that way to an extent. Only difference is I didn't see the football team getting to the NCG that year, whereas I am fully confident the football team can this coming season. Both teams have put themselves in good positions to make title runs, and both coaches deserve it.

[8802gator]

The way bball is playing I think they win it all this year. So the fighting Donovans get my vote.

[BostonGator84]

Basketball, 41-0 this year. Book it.

[FloridaFanatic22]

Basketball, 41-0 this year. Book it.

Somebody please knock on wood or better yet cut down a forest for this mega jynx...

[vulcan_alex]

Would it not be very special if we can go back to back to back again.

It might be our year in BBall now with Football next.

[MrAmbition2]

First to a title? Donovan i guess... Gator basketball has 3 chances to win a title; SEC Reg. season title, SEC tourney title, and of course NCAA tourney title!

[jagator0]

gotta go with hoops, since they are going to win it in April

[Sasquatch Gator]

Basketball, 41-0 this year. Book it.

Well seeing as how we'll only play 39 games this year.........

[CGgater]

I don't think that's a silly question. Not that either team is a lock, but I think it's reasonable to say we are within reach if we get some fortunate bounces our way. Luck favors the prepared, and I think both coaches are stockpiling talent.

I must ask however... why didn't you include Sully's baseballers??? I don't know what their roster looks like, but Sully is doing a great job.

It's great to be a Florida Gator!

[jagator0]

Sully may have already missed his best chances. Guys like Zunino and Tucker don't come around very often.

[jand3k]

Donovan's bee ballers will get one before Muschamp's foot ballers.

[gatordad]

Billy already has two...so he wins!

[Double Gator Dad]

I think either could be the right answer.
The difference is Billy has his best shot this year while Will seems to be building towards the opportunity.

Billy has a shot this year because he has the perfect blend of experience, depth, and youth. After this year, he loses Boynton, Murphy, Rosario, and possibly Young. Regardless of his recruiting (and he is doing very well) it may be several years before he has this much experience on the roster again.
When you couple this with the fact that UK is in between killer classes of agent compensated superstars, this is the best year.

Will on the other hand is just getting started building a complete roster of his kind of guys. Unlike basketball, coaches can build experience and depth without losing key players after one season.

We will know the answer to your question the first week of April. If Billy did not win it all, the answer is Will.

[rogdochar]

Donovan has his highest chance this season. I'm worried we can't
attract those really tall, active inside players. Young is only 6'9"
& rarely (maybe never) gives dominate moves forcing their 'talls'
into foul trouble. Playing that way he'd average 18 ppg instead
of 9 ppg. When Young decides to be the best on the court, he is..
.. but that's usually for short stretches that comprise 10 % - 15% of
the playing time.

And it seems that far too much of the time 6'10" Murphy is asking
the defense where he's allowed to try from.? = Few rebound ops
being where opposing team sends him.

Our frequent 'challenge-the-ball' defense propels this team to their
winning control of the games. I like that part, but it needs to be
matched by better 'bigs' "leaning-to-the-rim" with offensive pressure.

It is obvious when a team decides to go at it to get the opposing star
big man into foul trouble. Even if only enuf quick fouls to put him on
the bench + easy foul shot points. That's a double win.

Do these Gators have a big, mean, tough banging big-man coach ?
If the shorter Yeguete averages more rebounds than Young , then
he's playing aggressive to the rim, the way Young should play.

I just want us to master all areas of the game .. to become
unbeatable. And to look 'purty' .... to look equal to other top 5
teams that pressure in close to the rim.

[NoGaGator]

BBall can win it all this year IF Young and Murphy can both stay healthy. There is no depth behind the 2 bigs.

Billy has a team of complementary parts AND thy've bought into playing some of the best defense I've seen in a while.

It's early...hope they can continue to improve.

They've been a lot of fun to watch.

FBall will have a good chance to do it next year.

[jagator0]

What if Bama wins ugly, like 6-3, and we beat the living crap out of the Ville? Any chance we get the AP?

[Zambo]

What if Bama wins ugly, like 6-3, and we beat the living crap out of the Ville? Any chance we get the AP?

[ncargat1]

What if Bama wins ugly, like 6-3, and we beat the living crap out of the Ville? Any chance we get the AP?

No Ohio St. will.

[ncargat1]

There are currently five elite programs ranked ahead of us, and at least 58 others chasing our tail. But knowing how deep and talented the 2012-13 version of Florida basketball is, I'm going to go out on an orange and blue limb and ask a silly question.

Is it premature to wonder in seriousness which UF program will be first to a national title, Muschamp's footballers or Donovan's hoopsters?

Better still, does it feel like 2006-07?

Basketball has a greater chance, just because the football team has no chance this year.

If I had to bet money, I would put it on Kevin O' Sullivan winning it all before either Billy (again) or Will.

On a personal note, living in N Carolina, a college football wasteland, I enjoyed Billy's back-to-back titles in basketball waaaaaayyyyyyyy more. Not one butt-munch Duke/Carolina fan could talk to me for nearly 2 years.....so I am rooting like hell for Billy and the boys to do it again this year!! In fact, each year I pray for a bracket with Duke or Carolina in it just so we can directly beat their azzes!!