Sports Illustrated says Florida validated No. 1 ranking vs Miami
Story by
Sports Illustrated says Florida validated No. 1 ranking vs Miami
David Rosenberg, Gators Wire·Gators Wire
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Floridaentered the college basketball season atop the national rankings, and its opening-night win over Miami gave Sports Illustrated another reason to believe the Gators belong there.
In a breakdown offive overreactionsfrom college basketball's opening day, Sports Illustrated's Kevin Sweeney argued that Florida validated its No. 1 ranking with its season-opening victory.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sweeney pointed to the Gators' dominant frontcourt and improved perimeter shooting as two encouraging signs for Todd Golden's team. Thomas Haughled the waywith 19 points, while Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu helped limit Miami's effectiveness around the basket.
The matchup featured two highly regarded frontcourts, but Florida's size and physicality gave it an advantage. Sweeney also highlighted the Gators' performance from beyond the arc, an area that proved important to their success, or lack thereof, last season.
Florida connected on 11 of its 26 three-point attempts against Miami, good for 42.3%. Five of those makes came from the bench, an early sign the Gators could have more reliable perimeter shooting throughout their rotation.
That development could be significant considering Florida went 16-0 last season when shooting at least 32% from three-point range, compared with an 11-8 record when falling below that mark.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I'm really excited about the three-point shooting,"Golden saidafter the win. "We were 42% from three. Nobody thinks we can shoot. But I think we can shoot; I think we got a chance."
Sweeney acknowledged that other programs could eventually surpass Florida, but his assessment reinforced the Gators' standing among the nation's leading championship contenders.
While one game cannot determine the trajectory of an entire season, Florida's combination of frontcourt production, defensive presence and improved shooting is a promising starting point for its pursuit of another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden and Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas talk before the game at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden talks with Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21), Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) and team before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) grabs a rebound over Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) dunks the ball over Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) shoots the ball over Miami Hurricanes forward Caleb Gaskins (11) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21) posts up against Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (5) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) shoots over Miami Hurricanes guard Acaden Lewis (55) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21) defends Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (5) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson (7) attempts a layup over Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden gestures during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Domen Petrovic (19) gestures after a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) battles for a loose ball with Florida Gators forward Domen Petrovic (19) and Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) celebrates during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Brent Bland (1) drives to the basket past Florida Gators guard Isaiah Brown (20) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes center Egor Ryzhov (10) shoots the ball over Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) high fives Florida Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Urban Klavzar (7) fights for the ball with Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) and Miami Hurricanes guard Brent Bland (1) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Domen Petrovic (19) and Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) talk during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden and Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas talk before the game at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden and Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas talk before the game at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden talks with Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21), Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) and team before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/18
Final score, recap, highligths from Florida's season-opening win vs Miami
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) grabs a rebound over Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/18
Final score, recap, highligths from Florida's season-opening win vs Miami
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) dunks the ball over Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) shoots the ball over Miami Hurricanes forward Caleb Gaskins (11) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21) posts up against Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (5) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) shoots over Miami Hurricanes guard Acaden Lewis (55) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21) defends Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (5) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson (7) attempts a layup over Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden gestures during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Domen Petrovic (19) gestures after a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) battles for a loose ball with Florida Gators forward Domen Petrovic (19) and Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) celebrates during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Brent Bland (1) drives to the basket past Florida Gators guard Isaiah Brown (20) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes center Egor Ryzhov (10) shoots the ball over Florida Gators center Alex Condon (21) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) high fives Florida Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Urban Klavzar (7) fights for the ball with Miami Hurricanes center Somto Cyril (2) and Miami Hurricanes guard Brent Bland (1) during the first half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/18
PHOTO: Top highlights from Florida vs Miami in season opener
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Domen Petrovic (19) and Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) talk during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Follow us@GatorsWireon X, formerly known as Twitter, as well asBluesky, and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofFlorida Gatorsnews, notes and opinions.
