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Articles by Max Tucker
Greatest moments from Florida basketball’s national championship run
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team was ranked just inside the preseason AP Top 25 Poll at No. 21 in October. However, when the final buzzer sounded in the national championship game, the Gators were the last team standing. On April 7, the Gators climbed the ladder at the Alamodome in San Antonio after a barrage of orange and blue confetti fell amid the initial celebration. The result sent Florida fans in Gainesville into a celebratory frenzy.
Florida looks to reach national championship with win over Auburn in Final Four
When Florida traveled to the plains of Alabama to play No. 1 Auburn Tigers on Feb. 8, the Gators were tasked with knocking off the best team in the best conference in college basketball without their second-leading scorer in senior guard Alijah Martin. In a shocking upset, Florida came away with the victory, and sophomore forward Thomas Haugh wasn’t shy to let the Auburn fans know about it.
Florida basketball’s top five NCAA Tournament teams
When former Florida men’s basketball head coach Billy Donovan arrived in Gainesville in 1996, he was tasked with leading a program that had appeared in just five NCAA Tournaments throughout its 76-year history. By the time Donovan departed in 2015, he brought Florida into the national spotlight of the sport. The Gators reached the pinnacle of college hoops not once, but twice, with back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Gators gearing up for Elite Eight contest against Texas Tech
As the Sweet 16 matchup between No. 10 seed Arkansas and No. 3 seed Texas Tech came down to its deciding moments, college basketball fans settled into their sofas and bar stools for what was seemingly about to become a regional final between two SEC behemoths. Florida had already punched its ticket with a 16-point throttling of No. 4 seed Maryland behind a stellar outing in the second half on Thursday.
Survive and advance: No. 1 seed Florida sneaks past UConn, advances to Sweet 16
To be the champs, you have to defeat the champs. It was a narrative that the Florida Gators became all too familiar with when they found out they’d be squaring off against the reigning back-to-back national champion UConn Huskies. The last time Florida was on the top-seed line in March Madness, it was the Huskies who stunned UF off the court in the 2014 Final Four.
First round trounce: No. 1 Florida throttles No. 16 Norfolk State to open NCAA Tournament
The story of David and Goliath dates back to the Old Testament. It tells the journey of a young boy who bravely faced and defeated a giant warrior against all odds. On Friday, the No. 16 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament looked to steal a page out of David’s playbook — but to no avail. Giving an underdog a sense of belief in the opening minutes of a March Madness game is dangerous territory for a team on the top-seed line.
Florida earns No. 1 seed in West Region of NCAA Tournament
Last season, Florida senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. shot a go-ahead half-court heave in the final seconds of the NCAA Tournament’s first round in hopes of keeping UF’s postseason run alive. When it missed, Clayton Jr. buried his head into his jersey in agonizing defeat. However, the anguish of that loss was a key component in Florida returning its core of players.
No. 4 Florida crowned SEC Tournament champions, enter NCAA Tournament strong
When walking through the doors of Florida basketball’s practice facility, it’s easy to feel drawn to the shiny championship hardware safely tucked away inside a trophy case. It had previously been 11 years since the Gators added an SEC Tournament championship trophy to it. If UF could take care of business in Sunday’s SEC Title game, however, it would have a new piece of hardware to add to its collection.
No. 4 Florida men’s basketball advance to second-straight SEC Championship
Florida and Alabama basketball’s recent history has featured all kinds of high-scoring back-and-forth affairs. On Saturday, that same high-flying offensive action was on display – albeit in a somewhat more lopsided affair. Much like last season, the two sides met for the opportunity to advance to the SEC Championship game. Last year’s contest went down to the wire, with Florida notching a surprising 104-82 victory.
No. 2 seed Florida advances to SEC Tournament semifinals with win over No. 7 Missouri
Florida senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. stood at the SEC logo near half court — a place on the hardwood where he’s continuously sunk mesmerizing 3-pointers this season. However, this time around, the first-team All-American fulfilled a different role. The Gators were getting all they could handle from a ferocious Missouri team in the second half. A signature Clayton Jr. logo shot would’ve seemingly been the dagger, but, instead, a different prolific Florida guard delivered on Friday.
Walter Clayton Jr. makes Florida basketball history with first-team All-American honors
The Florida men’s basketball program has a rich history – one that consists of deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, climbing the coveted steps on a ladder to cut down the nets and sending players to the NBA who would later become stars for years to come. Despite the accolades, accomplishments and even a Hall of Fame former head coach in Billy Donovan, UF had never seen one of its players become a first-team All-American.
No. 5 Florida primed for deep runs in SEC and NCAA Tournaments
It’s an emotional moment for a college basketball player when they walk off their home court for the final time. Coaches and teammates hugging them while thousands of fans rise to their feet to cheer is enough to make even a fearless competitor a bit misty. That’s precisely what happened when UF’s dynamic backcourt trio stepped off the Stephen C. O’Connell Center hardwood one last time after defeating Ole Miss in Gainesville on March 8.
Alex Condon, Walter Clayton Jr. carry No. 3 Florida to road win over No. 7 Alabama
Florida sophomore forward Alex Condon grew up playing Australian football and even described it as his “hidden talent.” Despite his rugby skills perhaps being a secret to college basketball fans, his basketball abilities were put on full display Wednesday night. Many media outlets claimed it was a “must-win” for UF if it hoped to keep its chances at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament alive.
No. 3 Florida boosts March Madness resume with home victory over No. 12 Texas A&M
Last season, Florida head coach Todd Golden consistently reiterated the point that then-junior guard Will Richard was one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation. With a double-bye in the SEC Tournament and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament potentially on the line, Golden’s assessment of Richard has never looked more accurate. More than 24 hours before tipoff, UF students had already pitched tents in front of the Stephen C.
No. 3 Florida falls in hotly-contested upset on the road against Georgia
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Tuesday, February 25, 2025 The rival Bulldogs’ lead grew as large as 26 points, but UGA only scraped by in the final minutes It would’ve been Florida’s largest comeback this season. However, senior guard Will Richard’s career-night heroics weren’t enough against Georgia. Midway through the first half, the Gators were on upset watch — largely due to a lights out performance by UGA to open the contest.
No. 2 Gators survive road scare behind career day from Rueben Chinyelu
It was seemingly a homecoming for senior guard Alijah Martin, who grew up in Summit, Mississippi, roughly an hour-and-a-half away from LSU’s campus. With various friends and family members in attendance, Martin showed out. Basketball is undoubtedly a game of runs. LSU became all too familiar with this narrative after going on a 22-2 surge to close out the first half. However, it was Martin who capped off the final run that seemingly slammed the door shut on the Tigers’ hopes of an upset.
No. 6 Florida upsets No. 1 Auburn on the road in historic victory
Florida led by single-digits in the waning moments of the second half with an opportunity to capture a monumental road victory in a setting intimidatingly known to college basketball fans as “The Jungle.” However, it wasn’t the Tigers who made it out alive, largely due to a Gators team that rallied once again despite the absence of one of their elite guards. This time, it was in shocking upset fashion.
No. 6 Gators on a hot streak after road win at No. 1 Auburn
On March 16, will gather around a television in their living rooms or pull a stool up at a sports bar to find out what seed their beloved team will be in the unpredictable tournament better known as March Madness. When UF hoops enthusiasts tune in, they may hear the Gators get announced as one of the four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament — a milestone the program hasn’t reached since its 2014 Final Four run. The going got tough, but the Gators got going — and in historic fashion.
Without two starters, No. 3 Florida rolls in road victory over No. 22 Mississippi State
A true testament to an elite program is how it responds to adversity. It’d be hard to find a team that’s become more familiar with this than Florida, a squad that has had a starter out in each of its last two games. On Tuesday, it took only 30 seconds for the Gators to be without yet another. But much like championship-level teams do throughout the aforementioned adversity, UF rallied, bounced back and hardly missed a beat.
No. 6 Florida back to winning ways with home victory over Vanderbilt - The Independent Florida Alligator
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Tuesday, February 04, 2025 The back-and-forth affair featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes As UF senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. continues to work his way back from an ankle injury, junior guard Denzel Aberdeen was thrusted into the starting lineup for the first time in his collegiate career with a raucous home crowd behind him.
No. 5 Gators looking to bounce back as matchup with No. 1 Auburn looms
Last season, the Florida men’s hoops squad boasted its highest-scoring offense in program history. In 2024-25, UF nearly matched it. On Saturday, that was hardly recognizable.
No. 5 Florida’s offense has off day in road loss to No. 8 Tennessee
When the ball was tipped for a matinee matchup in Knoxville, the home squad was without two of its key starters in senior guard Zakai Zeigler (knee) and senior forward Igor Milicic (illness). However, it proved to have little impact on Tennessee’s success. Not even a month ago, it was Florida that notched a 30-point home victory to kickstart the season series. In the regular-season series finale, the roles were nearly reversed.
No. 5 Florida dominant in home rivalry win over Georgia
There was a much different feeling down the stretch for Florida than in its nail-biting victory on the road against South Carolina on Wednesday. In that matchup, it took a game-winning layup with seconds remaining to escape with a win. In this one, it was a 30-point rout of the Bulldogs that allowed UF’s starters to take a seat with over two minutes remaining as the Stephen C. O’Connell Center rose to its feet in applause.
Will Richard guides No. 5 Gators to road victory over South Carolina
Florida didn’t hold a lead for the first 39-plus minutes of action. But when UF was presented with what may have been its final chance to take the lead, senior guard Will Richard delivered. The Gamecocks took a one-point advantage with 17 seconds left in regulation on a free throw by junior guard Zachary Davis. However, just 12 seconds later, it was Richard who scored a driving layup that proved to be the game-sealing shot.
No. 5 Gators show fight in bounce back home win over Texas
It was the first ever SEC meeting between Florida and Texas. It was also one of the largest crowds to pack the Stephen C. O’Connell Center to date this season. As bright as the lights may have been, the Gators didn’t disappoint. UF head coach Todd Golden said after Florida’s loss to Missouri on Jan. 14 that his team didn’t play with the underdog mentality that has propelled the Gators to their success. However, against UT, they seemingly had a chip on their shoulders once more.
No. 5 Florida falls to .500 in SEC play in home loss to Missouri
Florida had no choice but to fight tooth and nail until the final buzzer after trailing by 19 points and cutting opposing Missouri’s lead to just three late in the second half. The comeback in itself may not have been expected. But what may have been even more surprising was the sixth 3-pointer (and overall performance) that UM senior guard Caleb Grill knocked down off the bench.
Florida men’s basketball continuing success with arrival of SEC play
After riding a 13-game win streak during non-conference play, the Florida Gators men’s basketball team experienced an unfamiliar feeling when it left the court in front of roughly 20,000 faithful fans at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, Jan. 4. The Gators suffered their first loss of the season to then-No. 10 Kentucky to begin their SEC schedule.
Upset avoided: No. 8 Florida holds off Arkansas, Gators earn first SEC road win
In desperate need of insurance points, UF sophomore forward Alex Condon sprinted to the top of the key while senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. drove to the basket with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. Condon, who entered shooting 40% from 3-point range this season (despite only attempting less than one per game), drained one from a distance that slammed the door shut on a Razorback comeback and silenced the rowdy crowd in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
No. 8 Florida knocks off No. 1 Tennessee amid hostile atmosphere in SEC home opener
Florida had a decision to make. Make history and become the first UF men’s basketball team to knock off a top-ranked team in the nation at home. Or fall to 0-2 in SEC play with a brutal schedule ahead. The Gators entered Tuesday night just 2-17 all-time against No. 1 teams, including 0-5 at home. And this top-ranked team was no slouch. The Volunteers ranked No. 1 in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, No. 2 in effective field-goal percentage and No. 1 in 3-point percentage (24%).
Walter Clayton Jr.’s fatherhood fuels performance on the basketball court for Gators
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Monday, December 02, 2024 The senior guard’s family recently relocated to Gainesville so they could live together UF basketball senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. has a vision for his professional career — one that doesn’t involve flexing cars or jewelry. His vision stems from the birth of his daughter, Leilani Leigh Clayton, who was born on Dec. 11, 2023, in Lakeland, Florida.
Upward trajectory: Florida’s defense dominant in rivalry win at Florida state
There’s been concern surrounding the Florida football program that the team has struggled to gain positive momentum throughout head coach Billy Napier’s tenure at UF. As the Gators loaded up the buses to head back home from Tallahassee, this narrative seemed to have taken a complete 180. Napier’s success can certainly be attributed to the instant production and talent that freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has dazzled the Florida fanbase with.
Champs: No. 18 UF brings home hardware from ESPN Events Invitational
Head coach Todd Golden has preached throughout Florida’s young season that the Gators need to construct a full 40-minute performance from start to finish. Despite its undefeated record, there have been spurts in the early minutes and back end of games where UF has seemingly taken its foot off the gas.
No. 18 Florida advances to ESPN Events Invitational Championship over Wake Forest
Nearly one year ago on the dot, Florida held an 11-point lead with 11 minutes left in a road game against Wake Forest but ended up losing by 11 points. In the Gators’ matchup with the Demon Deacons on Thursday, they were faced with nearly the exact same scenario. However, unlike last season, UF was able to hold off WFU largely behind its experienced and high-powered backcourt of senior guards Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard, who all recorded double-digit scoring marks.
Florida vs No. 9 Ole Miss: Live Updates
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Saturday, November 23, 2024 The Gators and Rebels have a competitive all-time series, knotted at 12-12-1 The Florida Gators football team is one win away from bowl eligibility and will entertain the No. 9-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in a Senior Day matchup at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon. Follow along below for live notes and updates throughout the matchup.
No. 21 Florida enters Feast Week unbeaten behind Alijah Martin’s big night
Florida senior guard Alijah Martin is one of three 1,000-career point scorers that has been featured in UF’s starting lineup through its first six games this season. But on Friday night, he seemingly stole the spotlight. Averaging 13.6 points per game this season, the FAU transfer more than doubled that mark with a 32-point performance on 11-of-19 shooting from the field and 8-of-13 from 3-point range.
Imperfect play against FAMU still enough for No. 21 Florida to remain perfect
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 The Gators were without junior forward Sam Alexis and junior guard Denzel Aberdeen due to illness Florida freshman guard Isaiah Brown added his name to the box score for the first time as a Gator as the first half came down the stretch. But his pair of 3-pointers did more than just that.
Upset achieved: Florida knocks off No. 22 LSU in front of raucous home crowd
Florida needed just one score against LSU to all but solidify head coach Billy Napier’s fourth win over a ranked opponent since he took over the program in 2022. Late into the fourth quarter with a full moon hanging over UF’s student section, Florida fans awaited amid what seemed to be an anxious optimism in the air. On 1st-and-10 at his own 45-yard line, true freshman running back Jadan Baugh delivered.
Gators head into enemy territory, claim in-state rivalry victory over Florida State
The Florida men’s basketball team faced perhaps its most difficult test of its 2024-25 season thus far: Traveling into enemy territory to take on a Florida State team who boasted a similar undefeated record coming into the game. By the time UF senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. buried a 3-pointer with under one minute left to play, only one of the squads remained unbeaten. Behind a stellar 25-point performance from Clayton Jr., Florida (4-0) defeated Florida State (3-1) 87-74 at Donald L.
Gators roll over Grambling State for third straight victory to open 2024-25 season
Amid plenty of outside noise over the past few days regarding sexual harassment and stalking allegations against UF head coach Todd Golden, the Florida men’s basketball team didn’t seem to be distracted whatsoever. Moreover, the Gators may have looked as sharp as they have all season, en route to its largest margin of victory through Florida’s first three games.
Update: Todd Golden releases statement after sexual harassment and stalking accusations
UF men's basketball head coach Todd Golden has released a statement regarding the Title IX claims that have been filed against him. The statement comes just over 24 hours after The Alligator reported he was the subject of a sexual harassment and stalking investigation. Golden released a statement on X confirming there is an ongoing investigation and he will respect the case's privacy as it moves into its next stages.
Florida vs No. 5 Texas: Live Updates
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Saturday, November 09, 2024 The Gators are taking on the Longhorns for the first time since 1940 The Florida Gators football team (4-4, 2-3 SEC) is on the road to take on the No. 5 Texas Longhorns (7-1, 3-1 SEC) at Darrell Royal K. Texas Stadium in Austin. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Be sure to follow along right here for live updates throughout the matchup.
No. 21 Florida’s backcourt shines in season-opening win against USF
It was a highly anticipated offseason for the Florida men’s basketball team. With an influx of returning starters alongside impactful transfer additions, expectations were high. By the time the final buzzer sounded in the Gators’ season-opener on Monday, Florida fans got an exciting preview of what could be yet to come this season. UF faced its largest deficit of the game early on in the evening, as the Gators trailed by 13 points with 6:13 remaining in the first half.
Third-string quarterback Aidan Warner thrusted into Florida football spotlight amid continuous injuries
When Florida redshirt freshman quarterback Aidan Warner announced he was transferring from Yale to UF in Spring 2024, he wasn’t greeted with words of encouragement from his peers. The Gators football program is known for earning commitments from top-level high school athletes, making it difficult for players who aren’t in the team’s starting lineup to see much playing time. This is something Warner became all too familiar with when arriving at UF.
Battle at EverBank: Florida riddled by injuries in unforgiving rivalry loss to No. 2 Georgia
With momentum seemingly on their side in a heated rivalry game, the Gators were taking advantage. Hanging on to a 10-3 lead, Florida forced a three-and-out to get the ball back at its own 25-yard line. But as high as the emotions were on Florida’s sideline, you could hear a pin drop moments later. On 1st-and-10, with just over five minutes left in the second quarter, UF true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway ran a quarterback draw before slipping on the EverBank Stadium grass.
‘Into enemy territory’: Former Gator James Bates’ storied battles against Georgia
Share One of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the history of college football has been played on a neutral site for nearly 30 years. However, former UF linebacker James Bates has experienced every rabid atmosphere that the two passionate fan bases offer when the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs meet on the gridiron. Growing up in Texas, Bates wasn’t particularly well-versed regarding the Florida-Georgia matchup, he said.
‘Into enemy territory’: Former Gator James Bates’ storied battles against Georgia
One of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the history of college football has been played on a neutral site for nearly 30 years. However, former UF linebacker James Bates has experienced every rabid atmosphere that the two passionate fan bases offer when the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs meet on the gridiron. Growing up in Texas, Bates wasn’t particularly well-versed regarding the Florida-Georgia matchup, he said.
Room for improvement: Florida soccer season comes to an end against Tennessee
The Florida soccer team took the field clinging to a hope of ending its inconsistent season on a high note. For the seniors, it was their last time ever stepping foot on the pitch. The result ended up being far from what the Gators desired. UF trailed narrowly in the waning minutes of its match against Tennessee. The Gators saved their best offensive pursuit for when they needed it the most.
Fearless freshman will have chance to make immediate impact for UF men’s basketball
When the Florida men’s basketball team lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last March, they left the court almost as soon as the final buzzer sounded. Players buried their heads beneath their jerseys. The Gators have honed in on a sense of unfinished business heading into 2024-25, with nine players from last year’s roster set to return this Fall.
The future is now: Jadan Baugh, DJ Lagway shine in much-needed moment
Most 19-year-olds at UF spend their first semester wandering around campus trying to find their classes, struggling to find a club to join or a favorite place to eat. However, freshman running back Jadan Baugh and freshman quarterback DJ Lagway have been tasked with a much more unique circumstance. For the first time in Florida football history, two true freshmen started in the backfield for the Gators on Saturday.
Florida vs. Kentucky: Live Updates
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Saturday, October 19, 2024 True freshman quarterback DJ Lagway is making his first start for the Gators against an SEC opponent The Florida Gators (3-3, 1-2 SEC) welcome the Kentucky Wildcats (3-3, 1-3 SEC) to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for a matchup under the lights. UF freshman quarterback DJ Lagway will be making his first start against an SEC opponent. Follow along below for updates throughout the action.
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