
Florida Gators Men’s Basketball: Schedule, Roster & History
There’s a reason fans keep refreshing their browsers during March Madness: the Florida Gators, under third-year head coach Todd Golden, have pushed to an NCAA Elite Eight appearance, defeating top-seeded Houston 65-63. This guide brings together the schedule, roster, ticket info, and history so you can follow every step of the run.
NCAA Championships: 2 (2006, 2007) ·
Conference: Southeastern Conference (SEC) ·
Head Coach: Todd Golden ·
Home Arena: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center
Quick snapshot
- Gators won two national championships (2006, 2007) (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source))
- Current head coach is Todd Golden (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source))
- Team advanced to NCAA Elite Eight in 2024-2025 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source))
- Exact game times for future games depend on broadcast schedules
- Roster changes may occur due to transfers or injuries
- Final tournament results beyond the Elite Eight are unknown
- Future scheduling beyond 2024-2025 season is not yet announced
- Program founded in 1915; first Final Four in 1994; back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source))
- Remaining 2024-2025 postseason games and future season scheduling
The pattern: a program with a storied past that is building momentum for another deep run.
“The Gators defeated #1 Houston 65-63 in the NCAA Tournament, proving they can compete on the biggest stage.” — Florida Gators official site
The program’s six key facts, one pattern: consistency in postseason performance across decades.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1915 |
| All-time wins | Over 1,800 (as of 2024) |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | 24 (as of 2024) |
| Final Fours | 5 (1994, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2014) |
| Home venue capacity | 10,133 |
| School colors | Orange and Blue |
The history shows a program that reached elite status in the mid-2000s and still draws on that legacy for recruiting and fan loyalty.
What is the Florida Gators men’s basketball schedule?
Fans tracking the Gators this season have had plenty of dates to circle. The Florida Gators official site (team schedule authority) lists every game, but the key moments tell the story of a gritty campaign.
Where can I find the full season schedule?
The complete 2024-2025 schedule lives on the Florida Gators official site (primary team publisher). The season opened on November 4, 2024, with a 98-83 win over South Florida in Jacksonville, televised on SEC Network at 8:30 PM ET (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source); Sports Illustrated (sports media outlet)).
- Nov 15, 2024: Gators defeated Florida State 87-74 in Tallahassee, improving to 4-0 (Florida Gators Official Site).
- Jan 4, 2025: SEC play began at Kentucky, 11 AM ET (Sports Illustrated).
- Jan 25, 2025: Loss to #8 Tennessee 44-64 in Knoxville (Florida Gators Official Site).
- Feb 1, 2025: Defeated Vanderbilt 86-75 at home (Florida Gators Official Site).
- Feb 11, 2025: Beat South Carolina 88-67 in Gainesville (Florida Gators Official Site).
- Feb 15, 2025: Win over Oklahoma 79-65 (Florida Gators Official Site).
- Feb 22, 2025: Loss to Georgia 83-88 in Athens (Florida Gators Official Site).
Are there any notable upcoming games?
Postseason action defined this season. The Gators advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight with an 84-79 win over #9 Texas Tech on March 29, 2025 (Wikipedia). Then came a signature moment: a 65-63 victory over #1 Houston on April 5, 2025, in San Antonio (Florida Gators Official Site). Broadcast times for any future games will be confirmed by the Florida Gators official site as they are set.
A program that took down a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament proves it can compete on the biggest stage. For Gators fans, that win over Houston signals a team built for deep runs, not just regular-season stats.
How has the schedule changed this year?
The SEC slate included the usual gauntlet of conference rivals, with notable wins against Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Oklahoma (Florida Gators Official Site). The Gators also faced a home win over Georgia 89-59 (Florida Gators Official Site). The mix of early non-conference tests and late-season SEC battles built a tournament-ready resume.
What this means: the schedule’s balance of home and away games gave the Gators the momentum they needed to peak in March.
“The Gators have won two national championships, in 2006 and 2007, cementing their place in college basketball history.” — Wikipedia (encyclopedia source)
Who is on the Florida Gators men’s basketball roster?
Head coach Todd Golden, in his third season at the helm (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source)), has assembled a roster that blends experience with fresh talent.
Which key players should I watch?
- Walter Clayton Jr. — Guard, leading scorer and playmaker.
- Zyon Pullin — Guard, steady floor general.
- Tyrese Samuel — Forward, interior presence.
For the full roster with stats, visit the Florida Gators official roster page (team publisher). The Wikipedia season page also maintains an updated roster section.
What are the player positions and heights?
- Walter Clayton Jr. (G, 6’3″)
- Zyon Pullin (G, 6’4″)
- Tyrese Samuel (F, 6’10”)
- Alex Condon (F, 6’11”)
- Will Richard (G/F, 6’4″)
Are there any freshmen or transfers to note?
Transfers have reshaped the team. Key additions include Tyrese Samuel (from Seton Hall) and Zyon Pullin (from UC Riverside). Rookie contributions have come from Alex Condon, a freshman forward who has seen meaningful minutes. The Florida Gators official site lists all current players.
Reliance on transfers gives the Gators immediate experience, but it also creates a shorter window for chemistry building. For Golden, the bet is that veteran maturity outweighs the need for freshman development.
The implication: the roster’s blend of transfer experience and freshman potential positions the team for sustained success.
What is the Florida Gators basketball record and ranking?
The Gators entered the season ranked #21 in the AP preseason poll and rose to #20 after early wins (Wikipedia). Their performance through SEC play and tournament action has kept them in the national conversation.
What is the current win-loss record?
For the most up-to-date record, check ESPN (major sports stats source) or the Florida Gators official site. As of the Elite Eight run, the Gators have a strong tournament mark that includes wins over Texas Tech and Houston.
What is the Gators’ ranking in the AP Poll and SEC?
Rankings fluctuate weekly. Check AP News (poll authority) for the latest AP Top 25. The Gators’ SEC standing is updated on SEC Sports (conference media hub).
How does the record compare to last season?
Last season (2023-2024), the Gators posted a 24-12 record and reached the NIT. This year’s Elite Eight appearance already surpasses that postseason result. The improvement under Golden is clear: better tournament seeding, higher-profile wins, and a national audience watching.
The implication: the trajectory points upward, with Golden building a resume that could make Florida a perennial contender.
How can I get Florida Gators basketball tickets?
Whether you’re a student or an alum, there are multiple ways to catch the Gators live at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville (Florida Gators official site).
Where to buy tickets online?
- Official site: Florida Gators tickets (team box office) — primary source, verified seats.
- Secondary market: Ticketmaster (authorized reseller) — resale and face-value options.
- Student tickets: Available through the UF Athletics student portal for enrolled students.
Are there student ticket options?
Yes. UF students can access discounted tickets through the official ticket site. Availability varies by game, with SEC matchups and postseason games more competitive.
High-demand games against rivals like Kentucky or Tennessee can sell out weeks in advance. For fans planning a trip, buying tickets early through the official source is the surest way to avoid inflated resale prices.
What is the price range?
Single-game tickets typically range from $15–$60 for upper-level seats to $50–$150+ for lower-level or premium matchups. Student tickets are generally under $20. Prices fluctuate based on opponent and timing. Check the official site for accurate pricing.
The takeaway: planning ahead and using primary sources saves money and guarantees authenticity.
What is the history and achievements of Florida Gators men’s basketball?
The program, founded in 1915 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source)), has produced some of college basketball’s most memorable moments.
What national championships have they won?
- 2006: First NCAA title, defeating UCLA 73-57 (Wikipedia).
- 2007: Second consecutive championship, beating Ohio State 84-75 (Wikipedia).
The back-to-back titles place Florida among an elite group of programs.
Who are all-time great players?
- Joakim Noah: Two-time Final Four MOP, NBA All-Star.
- Al Horford: NCAA champion, five-time NBA All-Star.
- Bradley Beal: NBA All-Star, led Florida in scoring in 2011-2012.
- Udonis Haslem: Key contributor to 2006 title team, long NBA career.
- Chandler Parsons: SEC Player of the Year (2011).
The Wikipedia program page provides a full list of NBA alumni.
How has the program evolved?
From its founding in 1915 through the first Final Four in 1994 (Wikipedia), the program grew under coach Lon Kruger and later Billy Donovan, who led the back-to-back title run. After Donovan’s departure to the NBA, the Gators have cycled through coaches Mike White and now Todd Golden, who has restored the team to Elite Eight contention.
For a program with two national titles and five Final Fours, the standard is clear: anything less than a deep tournament run feels like a down year. Golden’s third season suggests he understands that expectation.
What this means: the historical foundation provides a blueprint for future success, and current results indicate the blueprint is being followed.
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floridagators.com, cbssports.com, en.wikipedia.org, espn.com
The Gators’ championship legacy is enriched by the 2025 NCAA tournament bracket that documents their perfect tournament run.
Frequently asked questions
What conference does Florida Gators men’s basketball belong to?
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source)).
How many national championships have the Gators won?
Two NCAA national championships, in 2006 and 2007 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source)).
Who is the all-time leading scorer for Florida Gators men’s basketball?
The all-time leading scorer is Ronnie Williams, who scored 2,090 points from 1980-1984 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia source)).
Where does Florida Gators play home games?
Home games are at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida (Florida Gators official site (official team site)).
How can I watch Florida Gators basketball live?
Games are broadcast on SEC Network, ESPN, and other networks. Check the official schedule for TV listings.
What is the Gators’ record against their biggest rival?
Kentucky is their primary SEC rival. The Wildcats lead the all-time series, but Florida has won key matchups, particularly during the championship years (Wikipedia (rivalry overview)).
When does the Florida Gators basketball season typically start?
The season typically starts in early November with non-conference games, followed by SEC play in January.
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