Florida held its annual Basketball Media Day on Tuesday. The following is a quick rundown of what Gators coach Mike White had to say.
* White said that he does not believe that the FBI probe will deter people from watching college basketball. Adding that what transpired last week was very sobering.
* Isaiah Stokes and John Egbunu are expected to be back in January. However, there is no guarantee that Stokes will play this year.
* Gorjok Gak has been held out of workouts lately due to a knee injury. Jalen Hudson had a little bit of an illness. The team lost a few workouts due to Irma.
* Hudson will be the first to say that his offense is in-front of his defense. White said that he’s very talented offensively.
* On Keith Stone – White said that he is becoming a more conditioned athlete, has matured, and he is in a good place mentally. He has been very pleased with him and said he could be the guy who enhances his role the most.
* White said that Chris Chiozza is very valuable. Chiozza has a little bit of a healthy pressure on his shoulders, but White thinks that he will embrace it.
* He said that the Gators can be better offensively this year. If this team is as good defensively as they were last year, then the Gators can be really good.
* On Mike Okauru – He is very fast and communicates well. He is a work-in progress in terms of becoming a true point guard, but White complemented his good work ethic.
* White said that the basketball season starts on Thursday. He wanted the guys to enjoy the fall and get to know each other, but they will hammer down the details on Thursday.
He said that there will be similarities made between Egor Koulechov and Canyon Barry. He believes that Koulechov will be able to have the same impact as Barry. He brings the experience he had from Rice, he brings toughness, and he is a guy who can score.
* White said that he would definitely like to have last year’s seniors talk to his team this year and that any past players are welcome back to this program. He believes that the players on his team will listen to the seniors from last year.
* On Kevarrius Hayes: He has not had a bad practice since he enrolled in school. White appreciates the motor that he brings to every practice.
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