The Florida Gators are making a bold move for their upcoming season! ESPN's Myron Medcalf reports that the reigning National Champions will start Boogie Fland, a former five-star recruit, as their point guard.
But here's the twist: Xaivian Lee, an all-Ivy League point guard from Princeton, won't be benched. Instead, he'll share duties with Fland, creating a dynamic duo in the backcourt. This decision by coach Todd Golden aims to lead the Gators to their second consecutive national title.
Golden's strategy is intriguing. Despite Fland starting, Lee will still play a significant role. As Golden explains, 'Xavian will be a second-side playmaker and then he'll play point when [Fland] is out.' This dual-playmaker approach could be a game-changer, especially with both players showcasing their ball-handling skills in practice without disrupting the offense.
Fland, who had an impressive start to his freshman year at Arkansas, averaged 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds before an injury halted his season. He even considered the NBA draft before choosing to transfer to Florida. Meanwhile, Lee shone at Princeton, averaging 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, with an impressive 3-point shooting percentage.
And this is where it gets interesting: Florida star Alex Condon confirms that both players can effortlessly handle the point guard role. This flexibility could be a secret weapon for the Gators, allowing them to adapt to different opponents and game situations.
So, will this unconventional strategy pay off for the Gators? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: with Fland and Lee sharing the court, the Gators are set to provide some thrilling basketball action this season. Get ready for some intense games and a potential back-to-back championship run!
