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Posted: Sunday November 07, 1999 10:05 PM

Florida

1998-99 record

22-9 overall, 10-6 SEC (lost to Gonzaga in NCAA tournament third round)

Coach

Billy Donovan, 49-41 (3 years at Florida); 84-61 overall

Projected starting lineup

Brett Nelson, 6-3, Fr. Donovan wouldn't commit to Nelson over Teddy Dupay last week, but Nelson's a future star. At SEC Media Days, teammate Kenyan Weaks accidently referred to him as Brett Williams because of the resemblence to former Gator and NBA star Jason Williams. G Kenyan Weaks, 6-4, Sr. Florida's only senior is third in school history in 3-pointers (142) and 3-point percentage (43 percent). C Udonis Haslem, 6-7, So. Has trimmed body fat from more than 15 percent to 9.8 percent since arrival on campus; although less-heralded, was as impressive as Miller at times last year. F Mike Miller, 6-8, So. Led Florida in scoring (12.2) and was second on team in rebounding (5.1) last year. F Brent Wright, 6-8, Jr. Led the Gators in rebounding (5.9) last year, Billy Donovan's first commitment shot 47 percent from the floor and 46 percent from 3-point line last year.

Top guy off the bench

C Donnell Harvey, 6-8 Fr. Barely beats out guard Dupay for this honor, but the Gators need a rebounding force and this McDonald's All-American is a monster. "He gets mad if you don't shoot so he can get the rebound," Weaks said.

Key Newcomer

Nelson, St. Albans, W.Va. Guard wins out barely over big man Harvey because Donovan's style relies on good point man.

Key Games

at Tennessee (Jan. 18). Gators' last win in Knoxville came in Jaunary 1997. vs. Auburn (Feb. 27). Florida wants to avenge last year's 19-point drubbing. at Kentucky (March 4). The Wildcats are down somewhat, but the road to the East title still goes through Lexington.

Outlook

Billy Donovan's biggest problem this year will be finding enough minutes to go around. "The starting lineup will certainly change," he said. The Gators have had two fantastic recruiting classes in a row. (Florida has four McDonald¹s All-Americans on its roster.) Last year's lived up to the hype. This year's -- Nelson, Harvey, Matt Bonner and Justin Hamilton -- will have to do the same for Florida to reach its preseason expectations, which include a national top 10 ranking pretty much across the board. Donovan clearly expects big things from this team. He's pushed them hard in practice. "Practice has been a lot more competitive this year," Weaks said. The Gators will be, too.

Gators' 1999-00 schedule

 

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