When Bruce Pearl speaks on SEC basketball, it’s worth listening. The longtime coach-now watching from a different vantage point-took to social media Sunday night with a bold claim: Florida is the best team in the SEC this season.
That statement came just hours after the Gators dismantled Alabama 100-77 in Gainesville, a game that wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. Florida poured in 72 points in the paint, the most by any SEC team in a conference game in at least 20 years. That’s not just dominance-it’s historical.
Pearl acknowledged that this Florida team isn’t quite the same juggernaut that cut down the nets last season. After all, the Gators graduated three senior guards-each of whom heard their names called on draft night. But even with those departures, Pearl’s message was clear: Florida is still the team to beat in the SEC.
And the numbers back him up.
The Gators have retooled around a bruising, relentless frontcourt that might be the best in the country. Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu have formed a trio that’s been nothing short of dominant.
Their work on the glass has vaulted Florida to No. 2 in the nation in both offensive and defensive rebounding rate. That kind of control on the boards doesn’t just help you win games-it helps you dictate them.
Losing perimeter talents like Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin-both now in the NBA-would sink most programs. But Florida hasn’t just stayed afloat; they’ve evolved. They’ve leaned into their size and physicality, and it’s paying off in a big way.
Defensively, Florida might be even better than last year. According to KenPom, the Gators currently sit atop the SEC in adjusted defensive efficiency during conference play.
That’s no small feat in a league with as much offensive firepower as the SEC. They’re not just locking teams down-they’re making it look routine.
Of course, this is the SEC, and nothing’s ever handed to you. Pearl’s own son, Steven Pearl, is now the head coach at Auburn, and the Tigers already notched a road win in Gainesville back on January 24. That win speaks volumes about Auburn’s potential, and they’re very much in the mix early in conference play.
And while Florida may have the most complete team, Texas A&M currently leads the league with a 7-1 record. The Aggies have a big week ahead, with matchups looming against both Alabama and Florida. If they survive that stretch, they’ll have a strong case of their own.
But for now, Bruce Pearl’s take carries weight-and Florida’s resume backs it up. They’re the defending national champions.
They’re the defending SEC Tournament champions. And even after turning over their backcourt, they’re still bullying teams in the paint, dominating the glass, and locking down on defense.
The Gators might not be last year’s team-but they don’t need to be. They’re carving out a new identity, and once again, they’re looking like a team built for March.