Florida Wins Big, But Todd Golden Wants More: Gators Still Searching for Consistency Ahead of SEC Play
The scoreboard showed a 22-point win, but Florida head coach Todd Golden wasn’t exactly in a celebratory mood after the Gators' victory over Dartmouth. For Golden, it wasn’t about the margin - it was about the message. And that message was clear: Florida has higher expectations, and they’re not there yet.
“We played really well to start the game,” Golden said after the win. “Up 26 at halftime, dominated the glass, played with great purpose. But when you win by 22 and still walk away disappointed, it tells you something about where we want to go.”
That first half? Exactly the kind of tone-setter you want out of a team gearing up for SEC play.
Florida came out with energy, intensity, and a clear game plan. But the second half told a different story - one that’s becoming a bit too familiar for Golden’s liking.
3-Point Defense a Growing Concern
For the second straight game, the Gators allowed an opponent to find its rhythm from deep. Against Colgate, Golden brushed off some of those open looks as part of the game plan.
This time? Not so much.
Dartmouth shot the ball well after halftime, and Florida’s perimeter defense looked a step slow.
“We didn’t defend with enough attention in the second half,” Golden said. “Didn’t play with enough pace or physicality. That’s the next step for this group - playing a full 40.”
And he’s not just talking about effort. Structurally, the Gators are getting spread out too easily, leaving shooters with clean looks. In the SEC, that’s a recipe for trouble.
Leadership Must Be Player-Led
Golden knows his team’s ceiling is tied to how much leadership comes from within the locker room - not just the coaching staff. He pointed to veterans like Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon, and Thomas Haugh as guys who need to set the tone, especially when younger players are on the floor.
“When those younger guys get their chance, I expect our leaders to coach them up,” Golden said. “The staff is doing it, sure - but it’s got to come from the players, too. That pride on the defensive end has to be collective.”
Still Searching for an Eighth Man
Right now, Florida’s rotation is solid through seven players - the starting five, plus Micah Handlogten and Urban Klavzar. But Golden is still looking for that consistent eighth man to round things out. Monday night didn’t offer much clarity on that front.
“We’re looking for him. Absolutely,” Golden said when asked about the rotation.
It’s not just about giving guys minutes - it’s about finding someone who can contribute meaningfully when the game tightens up in conference play. That depth could be the difference between a good SEC run and a great one.
Kareem Thomas Kept in Check - For the Most Part
One bright spot defensively? Florida’s handling of Dartmouth’s Kareem Thomas.
Golden noted the team did a solid job on him, especially in the first half. There was a foul or two on a 3-point attempt, but overall, the Gators kept him from being a game-changer.
“We held them to 30% from the field in the first half,” Golden said. “We guarded, we limited opportunities. It was really that second half where things got away from us a bit.”
Trending in the Right Direction - But Not There Yet
With SEC play looming, Golden believes this team is heading in the right direction. The improvement from the start of the season is noticeable, especially in areas like ball security and defensive discipline.
“We’ve started taking better care of the ball,” he said. “Four turnovers in the first 36 minutes against Colgate, and we’ve done well in that area in recent games. We’ve also done a better job defending without fouling.”
But the 3-point defense? That’s the red flag. Both Colgate and Dartmouth found success from deep, and that’s something Florida has to clean up before the level of competition ramps up.
Backcourt Chemistry Building
The Gators’ backcourt is beginning to find its rhythm, and that’s a big deal heading into league play. Xaivian has turned a corner after a rocky start to the season, and Golden praised his recent performances.
“Xaivian’s been playing really well,” Golden said. “He had 12 points in 21 minutes tonight, two assists, took care of the ball. He’s trending the right way.”
Boogie Fland is also starting to look more comfortable, attacking the rim and initiating the offense with more confidence. It’s not perfect, but the progress is real - and encouraging.
The Bottom Line
Florida is winning games, but Todd Golden isn’t satisfied with just checking the box. He’s looking for a team that can play a full 40 minutes with intensity, discipline, and focus - not just in spurts.
The Gators have the talent, and they’re showing signs of growth. But with SEC play on deck, the margin for error shrinks.
The pieces are there. The question now is: can Florida put them all together when it matters most?