Florida Gators Basketball: 10 Most Intriguing Games of 2008-2009

5.  Nov. 25 vs. Washington or Kansas in Kansas City, MO, TBA

This is the second game in a back-to-back for the aforementioned tournament.  Who the Gators play depends on the outcomes of the day before. Both Washington and Kansas would be formidable, but a chance to beat the defending national champion Kansas team would be especially appealing.

4.  Mar. 7 vs. Kentucky, 2 PM on CBS

This is the game that inspires Florida students to camp outside the arena for a week. This has nothing to do with obtaining tickets. That is done on-line. These students guarantee themselves front row seats by virtue of showing up before other students, but in reality, they would still be close to the court if they arrived about three hours before the game. 

It's the only basketball game in Gainesville that comes close to generating the buzz of a Gator football game.

3.  Mar. 1 vs. Tennessee, 2 PM on CBS

The atmosphere for this game is always electric, and considering how close the Gators came to knocking off a highly-ranked Tennessee team last season, this should be more of the same.

Key returning players like Calathes, Dan Werner, Walter Hodge, and Chandler Parsons will certainly want to avenge that heartbreaking three point defeat at home.

2.  Jan. 31 at Tennessee, 9 PM on ESPN

The Gators struggled mightily in the second half last year up in Knoxville. When their shots stopped falling, their intensity waned. How this team responds to adversity on the road will go a long way to determining their postseason fate. This one barely misses out on the top spot because Florida's biggest rival is Kentucky.

1.  Feb. 10 at Kentucky, 9 PM on ESPN

The loss up at Rupp Arena at the end of last season went a long way toward erasing any chance the Gators had of earning an NCAA Tournament at-large berth.  Only a mature team can go into that hostile environment and win an important conference/rivalry game.

If the Gators can win at least six of these games, expect them to be in excellent position to return to the NCAA Tournament after a one-year hiatus. 

If not, be prepared for a return trip to the NIT.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?