One of the main goals has already been achieved: the Florida Gators were crowned SEC champions after defeating Tennessee in a hard-fought final. However, Todd Golden’s team is not stopping there, and ahead of the NCAA Tournament, the head coach issued a strong warning to their rivals about what’s to come.
In the midst of the euphoria following their title win after defeating the Volunteers 86-77, Golden spoke with the media and made it clear that if his team maintains this level of play, it will be hard for anyone to beat them.
“When we’re playing like this, I think we are the best team in America,” the head coach Golden said via Max Cohan. The Gators are now 30-4 overall, securing the championship in one of the most competitive and balanced conferences in the country.
Of the four losses suffered by Florida so far, three of them were on the road: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. The only home defeat came against Missouri.
Golden expressed pride in his team
Undoubtedly, achieving great things in a team sport like this requires strong unity between the players and the coaching staff. And this is something that was clearly reflected game after game in Florida.
Todd Golden has been the leader of a team that showed strength across all its lines, displaying few weaknesses throughout the season, which led them to become one of the best teams in the country. Drawing from his experience, the coach revealed a powerful confession about his players: “This is the best team I’ve coached,” Golden said, via Joey Dwyer.
What’s next for the Gators?
With the first matchups of the NCAA Tournament now set, the reigning SEC champions will make their debut against Norfolk State. Should they advance to the next round, Golden’s squad will face the winner of the matchup between the UConn Huskies and Oklahoma Sooners, the 8th and 9th seeds, respectively.
Just over 10 years have passed since the last time the Florida Gators reached the Final Four, falling to the UConn Huskies in 2014. This year, they aim to be serious title contenders and, why not, dream of the National Championship.