People say that Erik Murphy plays like a European player. He can use both hands equally well and he is just a very fundamental player. He has quite an arsenal at his disposal. He can step outside and hit the three, or he can take you inside and hit the baby hook with either hand. He should end up being considered one of the top ten players in his class, even if he is not right now.
Murphy's performance in the Peach Jam finals makes a great case for Murphy being a top 10 player. Murphy played a fabulous game in the Peach Jam finals against the Atlanta Celtics, where he dominated Derrick Favors (6'9"), the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2009. Murphy scored 25 points while holding Favors to only six points.
Deshawn Painter is a guy that has a lot of potential. He is known for his defense and is one of the best shot blockers in the country. Like Marreese Speights did in high school, Painter will attend Hargrave Military Academy, where he hopes to improve the offensive part of his game over the next year before heading to Florida.
2. Unselfish players that have heart
Unselfish play is one of the things that really stands out about Florida's national championship teams. They were always willing to make that extra pass. The fact that the Gators went two straight years where all five starters individually averaged more than 10 points a game is a testament to how unselfish that team really was.
Last year's team did a pretty good job of sharing the ball as well—six players averaged at least eight points. Billy Donovan is not out there recruiting players that score the most points. He is recruiting the basketball players that work for his system. Donovan also does a great job knowing how recruits will play together on the basketball court.
I think Corey Brewer, Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Adrian Moss are guys that sum up this category very well. They were guys that just loved to hustle, play great defense, and get up and down the floor. They were willing to sacrifice for the team.
Returning Players:
The definition of unselfishness starts with Nick Calathes. Yes, he led the Gators in scoring last year, but he also led the SEC in assists. Unfortunately for the Gators, but fortunately for Nick, it is very possible that the Gators may lose him to the NBA draft after this year.
The Freshmen
Sign up now to receive our Florida Gators Basketball newsletter. All the best articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web delivered to your inbox twice a week.
8 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete