The men’s college basketball season opens today, with a packed schedule that includes plenty of lopsided-looking matchups. Texas against Chicago State, for instance, may not offer much suspense; Texas is favored by 41.5 points. But the more compelling game is Florida’s meeting with Miami, the day’s only matchup between ranked teams.
Miami enters the season ranked No. 14 and, like many college teams, will need to blend returning players with newcomers. Malik Reneau, last year’s leading scorer, is expected to remain the centerpiece of the offense. Shelton Henderson should help with his outside shooting, while Dante Allen may be more valuable as a playmaker than as a primary scorer.
The Hurricanes have also added point guard Acaden Lewis, who arrives from Villanova, and Somto Cyril, a strong presence around the rim. Lewis could make a real difference, though Miami’s frontcourt pairing raises a question: Reneau and Cyril might both draw defenders into the paint. That could make spacing tricky, or perhaps open up better chances from the perimeter.
Florida comes in ranked No. 1 nationally, with much of its strength tied to an experienced roster. Boogie Fland returns after shooting nearly 45% from the field last season. Alex Condon is back, too, bringing a reliable post presence and doing plenty of the less noticeable work that helps a team function.
Urban Klavzar is expected to move into the starting lineup after earning SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors. He gives the Gators another capable outside shooter. Florida also has useful depth, and Thomas Haugh’s decision to return for another season gives the team back one of its most important players. He may not have been a top NBA draft prospect, but his return matters.
Florida’s experience and familiarity could count for a lot in the opener. The game is being played at a neutral site in Tampa, and it’s early in the season, which makes the under a reasonable consideration. Still, Florida looks like the better pick. The Gators have a deep roster and several players who have spent time together, so Florida to cover the 5.5-point spread seems the stronger call.
