Coaches keep Elite Eight in mind

With three days of practice before its game on Friday night, the UF men's basketball team will undoubtedly be well-versed in fifth-seeded Butler's idiosyncrasies.

It's the second game that could trip the Florida Gators up in the NCAA Tournament.

If UF (31-5) defeats the Bulldogs (29-6) and advances to the Elite Eight, it will have just more than 24 hours to recover, refocus and register information about its next game.

"It's crazy because you only have one day to prepare for that second day," guard Walter Hodge said. "The coaches will be watching film, but we won't watch anything (before Saturday)."

The Gators would face either No. 3 seed Oregon or No. 7 seed UNLV, the lowest seed remaining in the tournament.

Because players have to focus on Butler, it's up to the assistant coaches to acquire the most information possible on both potential opponents.

In the case of this weekend's potential second game, assistants began anaylzing video Monday. One studied Oregon and the other UNLV.

Each coach will break down the footage while the Gators prepare for Butler.

If UF wins, the staff will condense the material about Sunday's opponent to give the CliffsNotes version to the players.

"I would say the team doesn't have as much information (as the coaches)," UF coach Billy Donovan said. "You've got basically an hour and some film sessions to get in what the most key points are."

On top of preparing the players, Donovan has to schedule in time to let the Gators rejuvenate in time for tipoff.

While in New Orleans, forward Al Horford said the players slept in Saturday morning and were given the privilege of a virtually stress-free day.

"Coach gave us a lot of free time to hang out and do whatever we wanted," Horford said. "Then we practiced and came back and ate dinner. Then we relaxed, and he told us to watch a movie if we want or whatever. Between meals we might watch film, but he doesn't want to overwhelm us."

But Donovan knows the team is capable of managing the scouting reports from both teams.

"Our guys this year are very intelligent guys," he said. "They absorb and retain information well. You can give them a lot, and they can handle it.

"Our players do a good job of paying attention to what we teach them, and I think that can lend itself to being an advantage."

RECORD WATCH: Horford is creeping up the ranks of UF's single-season double-double leaders. The junior forward is tied for third after earning his 15th double-double of the season Friday against Jackson State in the first round of the tournament.

Horford needs four more double-doubles to slide into the top spot and break Bob Smyth's 1975-76 record of 18.

Senior Lee Humphrey is four 3-pointers away from becoming the new career leader in 3-point field goals made.

The record is currently held by Brett Nelson, who tallied 274 from 1999-2003.

Humphrey recently broke the record for the most consecutive games scoring a 3-pointer.

The sharpshooter sank his 34th against Jackson State and advanced the streak to 35 in UF's win against Purdue.

[More at www.alligator.org]

Learn About:
Darrell Arthur is a powerful forward coming off a solid freshman season where he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Big 12 All-Rookie honors... Darrell Arthur made the Team USA U19 team yet did not participate in the world championships due to a stress fracture... Darrell Arthur has good shooting touch and solid shot-blocking ability... An agile, athletic big man who runs the floor well... Will battle for a starting position and should see considerable action... Darrell Arthur is a proven champion based on guiding South Oak Cliff HS to the 2005 and 2006 4A state titles... Darrell Arthur a strong candidate for conference and national accolades.

Derrick Rose is a player who works hard, takes the game seriously and has a feathery touch from the outside. Eric Gordon is capable of going on big scoring runs. Eric Gordon is comfortable shooting off the dribble from all parts of the court. Eric Gordon is a better athlete than first glance. Eric Gordon is a smart player who approaches the game with a purpose.