Florida Basketball Hour
252 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 98 ratingsTalking Florida Gators Basketball with weekly guests, features, game analysis and more. Giving a program that’s become a national power the attention it deserves. Powered by The Gatorverse.
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Episodes
Keyontae'd: Kansas State rolls over Gators; No. 2 Tennessee awaits
January 31, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's 64-50 loss at No. 5 Kansas State. Keyontae Johnson, playing against his alma mater, poured in a double-double for the Wildcats. The guys discuss Florida's woeful offense, which has now produced 4 of the worst 10 outings in the KenPom era in 2022-23. What can be done to fix it, why it's more than just "missing shots", re-spacing issues and how Florida's actions aren't run crisply are among the topics ...
Gators gobble up Gamecocks; Keyontae, No. 5 Kansas State await
January 27, 2023 12:10 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's rout of South Carolina earlier this week. Discussion topics include Florida's great guard play, Colin Castleton playing the best defense of his career, a Niels Lane cameo, and Kowacie Reeves emerging from his shooting slump. At minute 31, the guys dive into No. 5 Kansas State, who will be Florida's opponent in the SEC-BIG 12 Challenge. Led by Markquis Nowell and of course, former Gators star Keyont...
Night at the Rock Quarry: Gators win beautiful rock fight at Miss State; Gamecocks next
January 24, 2023 01:01 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's 61-59 win at Miss State on Saturday night. Graham Hall of 247 Sports joins to talk about the victory. Topics include: the progress of Alex Fudge, a great scout of Tolu Smith by the Gators, Wacie sees the ball go in, and the continued impressive play of Florida's guards. Plus, Will Richard's development. The guys also preview Wednesday night's tilt in the O'Dome against South Carolina. Why GG Jackso...
Buzzkill, part 2: A&M heartbreak halts momentum from big win over No. 20 Mizzou; Miss St preview
January 20, 2023 14:05 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's win over No. 20 Missouri and another heartbreaking loss to Texas A&M. What went right against the Tigers and wrong against the Aggies. How Florida can avoid a repeat of a 12-point half, and more importantly, score enough to take advantage of a sensational defense. How Buzz Williams stole a game with 2 key timeouts, and a good chat on Florida's final play, which felt doomed from the inbounds play. P...
Defense wins...SEC basketball games. Gators halt Georgia, win at LSU: No. 20 Mizzou next
January 12, 2023 15:04 - 1 hour - 69 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's home win over Georgia and road win at LSU. How suffocating defense has become Florida's identity, and why the Gators should lean into that moving forward. Plus, Eric on attacking the 1-3-1, Neil on Myreon Jones' leap, and the guys break down the difference maker that is Riley Kugel. Finally, a preview of Saturday's huge contest against No. 20 Missouri, as Florida seeks its first Quad 1 win.
Buzz Kill: Gators lose heartbreaker to Aggies; Mike White Returns to Gainesville- Rocco Miller, special guest
January 06, 2023 21:04 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) are joined by one of college basketball's most interesting humans- Rocco Miller, a bracketology expert, scheduling consultant, and hoops junkie to talk Florida and Texas A&M and the return of Mike White to Gainesville with the Georgia Bulldogs this weekend. Rocco was in Gainesville for Florida's heartbreaking loss to the Aggies and he'll share his observations from his courtside vantage point. Plus, why Georgia's guards ...
Cold offense dooms Gators in 2 tough L's to close 2022; SEC Home opener next
January 03, 2023 03:07 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) team up to discuss Florida basketball. On this episode, the boys break down Florida's losses to Oklahoma at the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte and at Auburn to close 2022. Why the Gators offense has gone cold, and what Florida can do to turn things around in 2023. Plus, positive signs defensively, and how this team has flipped the script on defense. The guys also discuss Florida's lack of late game options, and the "p...
Soul Searching Time? UConn dominates Gators; Ohio Preview, and Taking inventory of UF after 10 games
December 11, 2022 19:08 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's 75-54 loss at home to UConn. How the Huskies manhandled Florida, and what positives, if any, to take away from the loss. The guys have a lengthy chat about Florida's offense-- what they have liked through 10 games and what needs work. Plus, rotation questions, Myreon Jones' continued role, and the case for more Riley Kugel. Finally, the guys preview Florida and Ohio (Minute 46), who meet in Tampa o...
Golden Opportunity: Gators look improved in FAMU, Stetson Wins- But a top 5 UConn team looms
December 06, 2022 13:02 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) discuss Florida's 2-0 week and the team's wins over Florida A&M and Stetson. What was so encouraging about these games, despite the level of competition, and why Florida's improved transition defense matters most. Plus, the guys continue the rotations debate, and wonder what the future holds when Kyle Lofton gets healthy. Alex Fudge's move to the starting lineup, and the importance of CJ Felder as a glue guy, is also dis...
PK 84-55: Gators close PK 85 with lopsided loss to West Virginia- our postmortem from a 1-2 Portland trip
November 28, 2022 23:06 - 45 minutes - 42 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) is joined by Malik Grady (The Close-Up Magic Podcast) to break down Florida's lopsided loss to West Virginia in the 5th place game at the PK 80. Why did the Mountaineers dominate Florida? Why are the Gators so bad defensively? What's with Kowacie Reeves' absence? And what to make of the Gators 0-3 record in games against potential NCAA Tournament teams? This and much more in FBH's comprehensive breakdown of Florida's 1-2 trip to Portland, including commentary on ...
Xavier carves up Gators on Thanksgiving; Oregon State preview
November 25, 2022 02:59 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's opening round loss to Xavier at the PK 85 Phil Knight Legacy event. In a game when the Gators continuity ball screen offense generated plenty of buckets-- why couldn't Florida get stops? Breaking down the Gators struggles on the defensive side of the basketball, from transition defense to guarding Xavier's flex and stagger actions. Plus, revisiting rotations, and where was Kowacie Reeves? Finally, ...
Turkey in Portlandia: The PK 85: Phil Knight Legacy Tournament Preview Show
November 23, 2022 18:20 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) preview the PK 85: Phil Knight Legacy tournament, which begins on Thanksgiving Day in Portland. Florida opens with a terrific résumé opportunity against a very good Xavier team, with the winner likely to play Duke. Eric and Neil break down the Gators and Musketeers, an epic frontcourt matchup between Jack Nunge, Zach Freemantle, and Colin Castleton, and what makes Xavier's offense so good. Plus, why Florida's wings may g...
Gators rally past FSU in Tallahassee; Jacob Rudner, 247 Sports joins the show
November 23, 2022 17:31 - 46 minutes - 43 MBThe Gators erased a 19 point FSU lead and a game where the Noles had a 96.6% win probability Friday night to capture their first W in Tallahassee in a decade. FBH breaks the whole thing down. Bur first, Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) is joined by Jacob Rudner, 247 Sports, to talk Florida basketball and break down what Jacob has seen early in the season. Rudner shares insider stories about Wacie Reeves, the Florida coaching staff, and chats rotations, Myreon Jones, rebounding and mo...
Buy Game brutality: Gators fall to FAU, but beat Kennesaw State; FSU Preview
November 17, 2022 13:53 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) discuss Florida's bookend weekend buy games against Kennesaw State (a win) and Florida Atlantic (a loss). What went right against the first set of Owls and wrong against the second set? What is worrying long-term about the FAU loss? Plus, breaking down the rotations: what to make of Niels Lane lack of playing time? What to make of Myreon Jones' extended minutes despite his inability to hit shots? Should Kowacie Reeves ge...
Golden Beginning: Gators Rout Stony Brook; Thoughts on the opener, Previewing FAU and Kennesaw St
November 10, 2022 17:43 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) talk Florida's opening night rout of the Stony Brook Seawolves Monday in Exactech Arena. All the reactions and analysis you need from the opening win of the Todd Golden era at Florida. Plus, what surprised the guys and why they loved the starting 5, and what Alex Fudge offers off the bench. Plus, a breakdown of Atlantic Sun foe Kennesaw State and Conference USA's Florida Atlantic, who come to Gainesville on Friday and Mo...
Florida Basketball Hour Season Preview, Part IV: The Schedule Show! A deep dive into Florida's schedule `
November 03, 2022 14:23 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Malik Grady (Close Up Magic Podcast) combine forces to take a deep dive into Florida's 2022-23 schedule. Among the topics discussed: the PK 85 Phil Knight Legacy event and a huge game with Xavier, another date with Oklahoma, why the FSU game will always matter, and where Florida's potential trap games and pitfalls are in both the conference and non-conference slate. Plus, the guys open the show talking recruiting and Florida's ambitious, impressiv...
The Annual Over/Under and Season Predictions Show, featuring Jake Winderman, CBS Sports
October 25, 2022 19:32 - 1 hour - 88.8 MBJake Winderman (CBS Sports) hosts this year's annual Florida Basketball Hour over/under and season predictions episode with Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country). The trio also analyze Florida's recent scrimmage with Miami, who returns the bulk of an Elite 8 squad from a season ago. Who will be Florida's leading scorer? Is this a NCAA Tournament team? What's the ceiling for Colin Castleton? Which transfer has the biggest impact? These predictions and much mo...
Florida Basketball Hour Season Preview, Part II: The Frontcourt
October 08, 2022 13:15 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Malik Grady (The Close Up Magic Podcast) preview Florida's frontcourt for the 2022-2023 season. Led by All-SEC talent Colin Castleton, Eric and Malik discuss why this might be the best Florida front court since the Gators Elite 8 squad. Individual player outlooks, from Castleton to LSU transfer Alex Fudge and all in-between are discussed, along with some statistical numbers to consider as the season approaches. Plus, Eric and Malik break down how Todd Golden ...
Season Preview, Part I: Kyle Lofton leads a deep, talented backcourt
October 04, 2022 03:06 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) begin their preview of year one of the Todd Golden era in Florida basketball with a look at the Gators backcourt. What will make the Kyle Lofton-Trey Bonham point guard duo so dangerous, and what Lofton will need to do to adjust to life in the SEC. Plus, Kowacie Reeves star potential, Niels Lane and the defensive upside of this backcourt, and why Will Richard may be the X factor. Finally, how much will talented freshman ...
Victor Lopez, UF Strength and Conditioning Coach; Off-Season Listener Questions
September 07, 2022 02:09 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) interview Victor Lopez, Florida's new strength and conditioning coach. Coach Lopez shares his fascinating personal story, what he values as a basketball strength coach, and gives his thoughts on the opportunity at UF. Plus, all your offseason listener questions, including a discussion of which Gators will be most improved, Trey Bonham's role, and Alex Fudge's potential ceiling. Finally, the guys rank their favorite coach...
Gators Finalize Roster; Recruiting Heats Up; Florida and Golden promote the Gator basketball brand
August 03, 2022 14:21 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon break down Florida's final addition to the 2022-23 roster, German big man Aleks Szymczyk. Why Szymczk's skill is so intriguing, and why the scholarship makes sense. Plus, Riley Kugel arrives on campus, and Thomas Haugh becomes Florida's first commitment for the 2023 class. Why Kugel is underrated, and why Haugh will fit in well at Florida. Plus, a dive into some of Florida's other 2023 recruiting targets, and what makes each intriguing. T...
Way too Early SEC Preview with Blake Lovell
August 02, 2022 21:21 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBBlake Lovell of 14Southeastern joins Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) to recap the offseason that was in the SEC. Who won the transfer portal? Is there a better fit than Johni Broome at Auburn? Is this the best Kentucky team since the "Nearly Invincibles" that lost to Wisconsin in the Final 4? Was Dennis Gates quietly the best hire? What do we make of Alabama and Nate Oats in year 3? These questions and more are discussed. Plus, Blake on what he loves ...
"We'll go from Glory Days to Golden Days": Head Coach Todd Golden joins the show
June 17, 2022 00:25 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBFlorida Gators Head Basketball Coach Todd Golden joins Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) for an interview. Coach Golden talks his influences, how he's embracing the history and expectations in Gainesville, life outside of the Air BnB, the big brain of his friend and colleague Jonathan Safir, being intentional in roster building, the importance of Kyle Lofton, and much more. A 30 minute segment with the new head coach. Plus, at minute 30: the guys break ...
Riley Kugel Commitment just what the Dr. Phillips ordered; Too-Soon Depth Chart Discussion
June 02, 2022 14:35 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down the commitment of top 50 guard Riley Kugel. What made Kugel one of the fastest rising players in the 2022 class, and why he has an NBA ceiling. Plus, does the Kugel commitment change FBH's view on "package deals?" The guys also discuss the last remaining roster spot, lament the loss of PJ Hall, and give updates on the health of Colin Castleton and Jason Jitoboh. The Gators 2022-23 schedule is also taking sha...
Kyle Lofton Commitment; The Role of Myreon Jones, Remaining Portal Options
May 20, 2022 20:15 - 1 hour - 61 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) discuss the commitment of point guard Kyle Lofton, the All Atlantic 10 player who transferred from Saint Bonaventure. Why he's a great fit for the Gators, the value of 2 point guards, and what to reasonably expect next season. The guys also discuss managing expectations on midmajor transfers. At the 30 minute mark, a discussion on the role of Myreon Jones on next year's team. And does Myreon need more of the ball to suc...
"We were about winning" - Gator Great and South Carolina Assistant Eddie Shannon; UF Portal Update
May 12, 2022 12:17 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) are joined this week by Gator Great Eddie Shannon. The Gators all-time steals leader, Shannon discusses the early Billy Donovan era, why he'd walk through a fire with Brent Wright, and why it was clear Billy Donovan was special. Shannon, now an assistant coach at South Carolina, also chats about his new job, back in the SEC, and the coming Lamont Paris era in Columbia. Plus, a transfer portal update and your listener que...
Portal Power and Pineapple on Pizza: On Florida's Final 3 roster spots and your listener questions
May 06, 2022 13:09 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) joins Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) to discuss Florida's final 3 roster spots, the recent visit of Kyle Lofton and Usun Usunniyi of Saint Bonaventure, and the recent decisions of Johni Broome and former Gators commitment Jalen Reed. Listener questions are also answered, including a lengthy discussion about why, even with 3 spots open, this Florida team is better than the one last year, at least on paper. Plus, does pineapple belong on pizza? Is a hot ...
"The Play was Zipper 5"- G. Allan Taylor of the Athletic on the Golden Era; More Listener Questions
April 27, 2022 01:35 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) are joined by The Athletic's G. Allan Taylor, who discusses the Todd Golden hire. Why he's optimistic about what the young coach will accomplish in Gainesville, and why Golden's recruiting plan and analytical, data-driven mind will give the program a jolt of energy. Plus, how the Gators might round out their roster for 2022-23, a little Katie Turner chat, and more. That interview begins at minute 20. The guys also answe...
Golden's Plan: Fudge, Bonham Commit; Listener Questions Bonanza
April 20, 2022 13:23 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) discuss the commitment of transfers Alex Fudge (LSU) and Trey Bonham (VMI). Why Fudge helps Florida build its best frontcourt in ages, and why Bonham should be just the beginning of Florida's work at guard. The guys discuss Florida's remaining portal and recruiting targets. They also address the decommitment of the incredibly talented Jalen Reed. Plus, 40 minutes of listener questions, beginning around minute 25.
PORTAL SZN!! Return of the Castle and the Will Richard Commitment
April 12, 2022 12:11 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down the return of Colin Castleton to Florida for his super senior season. Joining the guys is Malik Grady, who is running the best Twitter feed in the land about the transfer portal. Malik helps the guys break down Florida's transfer portal targets, including recent signee Will Richard. Plus, where the Gators may turn next, and why signing two point guards might make sense.
Golden's Staff Complete; Season in Review, Part II: The Upperclassmen
April 07, 2022 12:02 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Todd Golden's staff hires. Why the guys love the Taurean Green hire, why Jonathan Safir is the smartest guy in most rooms, and why the Carlin Hartman may be the best of them all. Plus, a review of the season that was and the options moving forward for Florida's upperclassmen. Will Myreon Jones stay? What about Colin Castleton? And some kind parting words for Tyree Appleby, an exciting player who never got th...
Todd Golden's Staff Taking Shape; Year in Review- The Underclassmen!
March 29, 2022 01:53 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) joins Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) to discuss Todd Golden's new staff addition, Korey McCray. What the veteran assistant brings the Gators, and why it's a big time hire. The guys also discuss the decommitment of Malik Reneau, and where the Gators stand with Jalen Reed and Denzel Aberdeen. Then, a breakdown of the year that was for Florida's underclassmen, from the vastly improved Niels Lane to the future pro Kowacie Reeves. The guys talk what they like...
Golden Era Begins; Gators Season Ends
March 22, 2022 02:46 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) continue their discussion of Florida's new basketball coach, Todd Golden. What to expect from Golden defensively, and how he'll approach his offensive coordinator hire in the weeks to come. The guys also discuss three pieces of advice they'd give to Coach Golden as he takes the job, including why it's important to try to retain assistant Erik Pastrana. Plus, how the Gators can schedule better in the Golden era, and wha...
Golden Hour: Gators hire Todd Golden as next Head Basketball Coach; Xavier preview
March 18, 2022 23:56 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's hire of Todd Golden to be the program's next Head Coach. Why the young San Francisco head coach was the right fit, why Scott Stricklin moved so quickly, and a deep dive into the data on Golden as a coach. Plus, what to expect offensively and defensively from the Gators under Golden. The guys also have a candid discussion about whether this hire is ambitious enough for a program of Florida's caliber. ...
Georgia on his mind! The Mike White Era Ends in Gainesville; NIT and Iona Preview
March 16, 2022 11:15 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon on the end of the Mike White Era in Gainesville. What they'll remember about White and his tenure, from the good to the bad to the reasons White ultimately decided to move on and accept the head coach position at Georgia. Plus, at minute 55, a preview of Florida's 1st Round NIT matchup against Rick Pitino's MAAC Champion Iona team.
Phlan-Tastic!! Gators get big win at Vandy; Kentucky and Senior Day looms
March 04, 2022 02:59 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's big win over Vanderbilt. How Florida managed to win a game when the Commodores shot 15-29 from deep and went on a 15-0 run in the second half. Plus, what's the matter with the proud Gators defense? The guys also break down the ways Phlandrous Fleming can and has impacted winning of late. A big Kentucky preview begins at minute 30, with a look at Florida's current bracketology situation and a discus...
A thin bubble: Arkansas loss; Georgia win leave Gators still needing more
February 28, 2022 00:12 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's heartbreaking loss to Arkansas. How a great game ended in an 18-4 Arkansas run, and why guards still win games late in the season. Plus, what the Arkansas loss teaches us about Florida's roster construction issues. The guys also salute a magnificent effort from Colin Castleton, and another terrific game from Tyree Appleby. The guys also break down Florida's comfortable win over Georgia. How Phlan Fl...
Bubble Life Ain't Easy: Gators topple # 2 Auburn; # 18 Arkansas Next
February 21, 2022 21:44 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's heartbreaking loss at Texas A&M. What happened on the final play-- and why it was almost unthinkable. On a happier note, the guys break down Florida's big upset over # 2 Auburn- a historic win for the program that led to the first court storming in Gainesville in almost 4 decades. Why Tyree Appleby was the best player in the building, why Niels Lane was the best defender in the building, and the cont...
Routed at Rupp; Texas A&M Preview
February 13, 2022 18:06 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's loss to Kentucky Saturday at Rupp Arena. Why two segments of the game did Florida in, and how the loss shows the growing chasm between Florida and the SEC's Elite. The guys also discuss rotations, and again praise the contributions of younger players like Niels Lane and seldom-used transfer CJ Felder. Plus, a Texas A&M preview. The Gators have a shot at a nice resume win in College Station against ...
Gators down Dawgs; Rupp Arena and a great Kentucky next
February 11, 2022 18:24 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's 72-63 win over Georgia Wednesday night in Gainesville. Among the topics discussed are what to make of the Gators offensively since the return of Colin Castleton, and why Tyree Appleby tends to shine in the second half. Plus, can Florida defend without Niels Lane? Breaking down the "on/off" numbers with Florida's defensive stopper. Minute 26: The guys preview Florida's trip to Rupp Arena. The Gators ...
It's a new day! Gator Women rolling; Men avenge Ole Miss loss; UGA preview
February 08, 2022 13:48 - 1 hour - 56 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) discuss the job Kelly Rae Finley has done turning around the Florida Women's Basketball program this year after the prior coach resigned in shame. Why they are good-- and so much fun to watch. Plus, the guys break down Florida's comeback win over Ole Miss. Was the return of Colin Castleton good for the Florida offense? Should the Gators sell out and settle for being a great defensive team that scores "just enough"? How ...
Gators sneak past Mizzou; Ole Miss, Round Two
February 04, 2022 20:19 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's 66-65 victory over Missouri this past Wednesday. How Tyree Appleby and Niels Lane sparked the Florida win, and just what in the world was Cuonzo Martin thinking about defensively down the stretch? Plus, why Florida's increasingly set reliant offense may be a boon to the struggling Myreon Jones. Neil is joined by Graham Hall of the Gainesville Sun, who discusses the surprise emergence of Tuon Gatkek...
Don't call it a comeback! Gators rally past Oklahoma St; Mizzou Preview
January 30, 2022 21:11 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's SEC-Big 12 Challenge comeback win over Oklahoma State. How Mike White's rotational changes and the energy from seldom-used reserve Niels Lane changed the basketball game. Plus, another monster game for Tyree Appleby, the continued development of Tuon Gatkek, and why Florida's offensive scheme was better against a good Cowboys defense. The guys will also break down Florida's trip to Missouri this com...
Bubblicious: Gators get big win over Miss State; Vandy preview
January 21, 2022 15:48 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's home win over fellow bubble team Mississippi State. How Florida managed to upend one of the SEC's best frontcourts without Colin Castleton, the continued development of Kowacie Reeves, an impressive night from Anthony Duruji, Jason Jitoboh's growth and more. Plus, why Florida's good shooting night might not be a sign the Gators have turned the corner. Plus, at minute 35: a preview of Vanderbilt, who...
Listener Questions!!! Plus, Gators win at South Carolina; Miss State preview
January 17, 2022 00:44 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) discuss Florida's 71-63 win at South Carolina on Saturday. Was this Florida's best defensive gameplan of the season? Why Kowacie Reeves has given Florida such a big boost, and why Florida's return to Princeton offense may be a huge deal for this team offensively. The guys also answer all your listener questions, including questions about Florida's identity and culture, the value of the press, whether Florida should ext...
Group Therapy: Breaking down LSU loss and Florida's 0-3 SEC start
January 14, 2022 16:12 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) discuss Florida's 64-58 home loss to No. 12 LSU. Did the Gators let one get away against a top 15 team at home? Jake Winderman (CBS Sports) joins the show. He talks Florida's puzzling lineup rotations, makes the case for more CJ Felder, and addresses Florida's continued woes on offense. Plus, the guys take a deep dive into Florida's home court culture: why a once elite home court advantage has slipped, and how, or if...
Gators start 0-2 in SEC; Strong Ass LSU team visits next
January 10, 2022 03:25 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) break down Florida's loss at No. 9 Auburn Saturday night, as well as their SEC opening home loss to No. 15 Alabama. Why Florida's 5-out offense has struggled, why a more set reliant offense is working, and why the team's margin for error is so small. Would lineup rotation changes help matters? The continued case for more Kowacie Reeves. Plus, why there was plenty to be encouraged about in Florida's effort at Auburn, and...
SEC!! SEC!! Gators open with Alabama: Our preview-- plus, a deep dive into lineup rotations
January 04, 2022 16:08 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's SEC opening game Wednesday night against No. 15 Alabama. Why the Tide's offense is so hard to guard-- and how Florida can exploit its advantage inside against the smaller Crimson Tide. Plus, how will Florida elect to defend Alabama's terrific guards? The guys also discuss: 1) Florida's pre-Christmas rout of a solid Stony Brook team favored to win the America East; 2) Lineup rotations-- what's wo...
Orange Bowl Classic Victors; sneaky good Stony Brook waits next
December 20, 2021 12:55 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBNeil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) and Eric Fawcett (Gator Country) discuss Florida's 66-55 victory over South Florida in the Orange Bowl Classic. Why the game provided reasons to be optimistic about Florida's offense, even as the Gators shot poorly. Plus, how a tenacious Gators defense overcame a season-high 17 turnovers. Finally, the guys break down why Florida has struggled with drop pick and roll coverages, and what they might do to get Myreon Jones going for Florida. Later (minute...
Bounced in Brooklyn: Gators fall to Maryland; Orange Bowl Classic preview
December 17, 2021 13:09 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBEric Fawcett (Gator Country) and Neil W. Blackmon (Saturday Down South) break down Florida's tough 70-68 loss to Maryland at the Hall of Fame Invitational in Brooklyn. Why Florida's offense was better, but defense couldn't come up with enough big stops to beat a struggling Maryland team. Is it time to worry about Florida's ability to guard on the perimeter? Eric and Neil make the case that it is. Plus, why the Maryland game shows Mike White and his staff need to expand Florida's rotation. ...