ESPN recognizes Florida's prolific offense in latest bubble watch

Feb 17, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) shoots against Georgia Bulldogs guard Silas Demary Jr. (4) during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Todd Golden has put together an offensive force in Gainesville this season, piecing together the roster from mostly transfer portal players and freshmen, and the nation is taking notice. After beating the Georgia Bulldogs on the road Saturday, KenPom has Florida with the ninth-best offensive efficiency in college basketball — one of many metrics that are bullish on the Gators.

ESPN’s John Gasaway also updated his NCAA Tournament bubble watch following the victory with some flattering things to say about the Orange and Blue’s offensive assault.

“After a secret ballot vote by the Bubble Watch staff, we are pleased to congratulate Florida on being named the Official Shot Volume Ambassador of 2024,” he begins. “Yes, other teams post even higher shot volumes than the Gators. (We see you, Texas A&M.) But Todd Golden’s projected No. 8 seed really makes this stuff come alive thanks to merely average shooting.

“When your offense ranks No. 6 in the league for effective FG percentage, but you’re ringing up 1.15 points per possession on the conference season, you are recording attempts in bunches. Well done, UF.”

Florida travels to Tuscaloosa for its next matchup on Wednesday, Feb. 21, against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN recognizes Florida’s prolific offense in latest bubble watch