Florida's junior guard, Urban Klavzar, has earned the title of the Southeastern Conference's Sixth Man of the Year, a testament to his impactful season. Hailing from Domzala, Slovenia, Klavzar put up an impressive 9.9 points per game while hitting 40.6 percent from beyond the arc. His evolution on both ends of the court has been pivotal for the Gators, especially during a season where their long-range shooting initially struggled.
In his first year with Florida, after moving from Spain, Klavzar's role was somewhat unpredictable. He only hit double figures once, with his playing time varying significantly. His standout moment came with a 22-minute appearance against Oklahoma in SEC play, but his postseason minutes were limited, concluding against Maryland in the Sweet 16.
Despite finishing that year as a national champion, Klavzar was eager to make a bigger impact in his sophomore season. With the departure of Florida's backcourt stars Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard to the NBA, opportunities opened up.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, Klavzar became the go-to guard off the bench and the second reserve behind Micah Handlogten. His defined role allowed him to settle into the team, and an offseason focus on physicality prepared him for the SEC's rigorous demands.
Reflecting on his growth, Klavzar shared, "I feel like physically I got a lot of pounds up, and I think I'm trying to get better defensively, just because I know how physical our conference is. Especially the guards are really physical and fast, so you got to be ready every day."
Klavzar's contributions were significant, leading the Gators in scoring in two games and topping the team with 67 three-pointers as they headed into the SEC Tournament.
Following a decisive 34-point victory over Mississippi State on Senior Night, UF's head coach Todd Golden praised Klavzar's achievements. "I could make a case for Urby to be sixth man of the year in the league," Golden noted, highlighting the crucial lift Klavzar provided in the latter half of the season. "It took us a little bit to figure out our rotation, but I'm happy with where we're at right now."
The Gators now turn their attention to the SEC Tournament, awaiting the winner of Missouri's matchup with either LSU or Kentucky. Klavzar's performance will undoubtedly be a key factor as Florida aims to make a deep run.