Florida Gators Basketball: 2009-2010 Team Preview

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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2008-2009 Record: 25-11, 9-7 SEC (fifth)

Key Losses: Nick Calathes (17.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6.2 apg), Walter Hodge (8.9 ppg, 2.3 apg)

Key Returners: Alex Tyus (12.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Erving Walker (10.1 ppg, 2.4 apg), Chandler Parsons (9.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Newcomers: Kenny Boynton, Vernon Macklin, Erik Murphy, Nimrod Tishman

The biggest change for the Gators this offseason was the loss of point guard Nick Calathes to Greece.

Calathes will be difficult to replace, not only because of the number of points he produced (17.2 ppg and 6.4 apg is a huge chunk of offense), but because of how instrumental he was in Billy Donovan's offense.

Everything ran through Calathes, especially the Gator's transition game, and he was as good as anyone in the country leading the break.

But even with the loss of their starting back court (Walter Hodge is gone too), the Gators will still field a talented roster that is full of potential. The issue will be whether or not that potential will manifest itself in wins.

It starts with the Gators' front court, which is overloaded with length and athleticism. Alex Tyus is probably their best returner up front, coming off of a season where he averaged 12.5 ppg and 6.2 rpg.

But Tyus has not always seemed happy playing in Florida (he came very close to transferring out of Gainesville around the time of the NBA Draft). Tyus' game is all about energy, as he is a slender 6'8". He is never going to out-muscle someone in the post, but he is bouncy and very aggressive going to the offensive glass.

The two guys that are going to make or break this season for Florida are Chandler Parsons and Vernon Macklin.

Parsons, who was a top 20 recruit in 2007, has all the makings of a star. As a 6'8", athletic small forward with the ability to hit the three, he has the tools to make scouts drool. But Parsons has yet to be able to put together a consistent offensive performance over the course of his first two seasons.

Macklin, who was a McDonald's All-American in high school before struggling through two seasons at Georgetown, is another guy who has yet to live up to his potential. Macklin is a big, strong body with excellent athleticism, but he struggled to get time at Georgetown.

Macklin doesn't have the polish on his offensive game to succeed in the one the Hoyas run. As a result, he never really was able to build his confidence or the confidence of coach John Thompson III. I expect him to have a much better year playing in a more open and fast-paced system in Florida.

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