The Florida Gators are coming off of an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament last year, led by senior guard Erving Walker and freshman standout Bradley Beal, but neither will be around to carry the scoring load this season.
Walker was lost to graduation, and Beal was selected third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.
Coach Billy Donovan has been in this situation before, however.
"Several years ago when we lost David Lee, Anthony Roberson and Matt Walsh, everyone ask me ‘how are you going to score?' " Donovan said.
The Gators went on to win back-to-back national championships.
"We did it through being unselfish and sharing the ball," Donovan said.
The Gators will look to replicate the efforts of the players on the 2006 and 2007 teams. This year they will be led by senior guard Kenny Boynton, who is looking to become more of a vocal leader for the team. Patric Young and Erik Murphy will also provide experience and leadership, having already been to the Elite Eight twice in their careers.
"Coach always tells us to enjoy the journey," Young said.
Young will remind his teammates of the little steps it takes throughout the season to be in a position to make a run come tournament time.
For now, the Gators will get to work in the practice facility with Donovan pushing each player through difficult tests and game situations to build team trust and chemistry.
"Even if you return all five players, every year it's a different team because the players have changed from the things they have experienced. You have to rebuild chemistry every year," Donovan said.
Donovan and the older players certainly have championships in mind as they prepare for the upcoming season, but they know they will have to take it one day at time.
To get a breakdown of the Gators season and inside coverage on men's and women's basketball, watch the Florida Gators Hoops Preview on Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.
