UF coach Todd Golden’s 10-0 Gators strive for perfection entering visit to North Carolina

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Florida coach Todd Golden’s Gators are 10-0 and winning by an average of more than 20 points but still have room to grow.

Just not by much, if you ask veteran guard Alijah Martin.

Martin seeks perfection, and chemistry is the key.

“We’re a good nine out of 10,” the FAU transfer shooting guard said. “I’m waiting for the extra plus-one to see how we deal with adversity. If we can get through adversity and still keep the team chemistry high, then we we’ll be 10 out of 10.”

Adversity could await Tuesday night when the No. 7 Gators face North Carolina in Charlotte during the Jumpman Invitational.

The Tar Heels (6-4) opened the season ranked No. 9 but lost ground against a demanding schedule featuring consecutive losses to Auburn, Michigan State and Alabama, the latter a 94-79 decision in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina’s early struggles have diminished the most high-profile non-conference game on UF’s schedule. Yet the matchup still gives the Gators a chance to strut their stuff for national TV audience and build on the program’s fastest start since the 2005-06 squad opened 17-0 en route to the first of two consecutive national championships.

Those legendary Gators — led by Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer and current assistant coach Taurean Green — remain the gold standard in Gainesville.

With SEC play looming, beginning with a Jan. 4 trip to Kentucky, Golden’s third team is just getting started but also has served notice with its balance, unselfishness and sheer dominance.

An 83-66 cakewalk against one-loss Arizona State on Saturday featured a 12-0 run with four consecutive 3-pointers, beginning with one by Martin and ending with one by Walter Clayton Jr. that sandwiched a pair by Will Richard.

“You never know whose night it’s gonna be,” Martin said. “That’s the way I like to play … just laid-back, not really having too much pressure on having to go out there and get 25 and get a win. You can do 10 points and get a win.

“It’s way much…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/uf-coach-todd-golden-10-201900701.html

Author : Orlando Sentinel

Publish date : 2024-12-16 20:19:00

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