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  • Gators in the NBA: Week 7

    Gators in the NBA: Week 7

    Photo by Patrick Smith / Getty Images

    Last week in the NBA was a fruitful one for one former Gators point guard.

    Chris Chiozza (guard, Washington Wizards) played 11 minutes or more in each of the last four games for his team, including a 119-113 win over fellow Gator alum Al Horford (center/power forward, Philadelphia 76ers) on Dec. 5.

    Chiozza averages 2.9 assists and 0.9 steals in nine contests for the Wizards, both good for fourth on the team. He also averages 2.1 points.

    Chiozza’s teammate, Bradley Beal (guard, Washington Wizards), averages 27.4 points, which is fifth in the NBA. He had 26 points and 10 rebounds in the win over the 76ers.

    However, Beal has struggled to score in his last four games. Over that stretch, he shot only 32.0 percent from the field.

    As a result, the Wizards went 1-3 in their last four games.

    Conversely, Horford and the 76ers are 3-1 in the last four games, with the only loss coming to Washington.

    The five-time All-Star contributed 11 points and nine rebounds in a 97-92 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

    Horford’s offensive numbers were average in his last four performances (10.3 points per game), but his defense has been stellar. He had four blocks and seven steals combined for the contests, as the 76ers allowed only the Wizards to eclipse 105 points.

    Dorian Finney-Smith (forward, Dallas Mavericks) dropped 13 points on the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, his highest total since he had 22 against the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 18. He also had eight rebounds in that game.

    Chandler Parsons (forward, Atlanta Hawks) saw some playing time in a 34-point loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. He played nearly eight minutes and sank one of two three point attempts, his only points of the night.

    Upcoming matchups:

    Horford and the 76ers will face off with the Boston Celtics tonight at 8 p.m. EST, while Finney-Smith and the Mavericks will take on the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City at 9 p.m.

    Beal, Chiozza and the Wizards don’t play again until Saturday at the Memphis Grizzlies.

    Mark Stine is a contributing writer for Chomp Talk. Follow him on Twitter @mstinejr.

  • WGYM: Gators No. 3 in Preseason Poll

    WGYM: Gators No. 3 in Preseason Poll

    Photo via Erin Long

    The news is out! The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) preseason poll has been released, and your Lady Gators have been ranked No. 3 for the 2020 season.

    The WCGA poll is different from other sports in that it only takes into account the opinions of coaches in the league. Coaches rank teams 1-36, since that’s how many teams will qualify to the regional championship level. Point values are then assigned to each ranking, with the most points being given to first place, and overall rankings are tabulated by calculating who had the most points across all coaches’ scoresheets. Here are the results:

    2020 preseason poll

    The top ten on this poll look starkly different from the final rankings from last season, with usual stalwart Alabama and steadily rising California featuring in the top group rather than Kentucky and Oregon State, who both had stellar seasons last year but may not have the staying power to repeat that performance. This is a good thing for the Gators, after a rare miss at the super-regional meet caused them to miss Nationals for the first time in many year. This indicates that the gymnastics community at large sees the potential for them to bounce back, even potentially to win it all – note the two first-place votes.

    Take a look at the total points for those top ten teams, too. Two very small gaps appear: just 9 points between Cal and Alabama, and 11 points between Florida and UCLA. This indicates a trend we’ve been talking about in the sport for a long time – parity. More and more teams each year are reaching the level where they could be competitive for berths at nationals, and in the latter case, the national title. The top 17 teams on this poll have all made at least one appearance at nationals, but with last year’s adjustments to the postseason, there’s only room for eight. Whatever the outcome, the gymnastics community seems to believe that Florida will absolutely be a part of that group this year.

    Tune in next week when we’ll be live for Orange & Blue, the final intrasquad competition for Gator Gymnastics before the season begins! You can also get your tickets now for the season opener on Jan. 10 in the O-Dome vs. Arkansas. And of course, make sure you follow @ChompTalk on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all the Gator Athletics action.

    Photo by Erin Long

  • Jonathan Odom looks to carve own legacy at UF

    Jonathan Odom looks to carve own legacy at UF

    Photo via Jonathan Odom

    Jonathan Odom’s name may sound familiar to Florida football fans. If so, it’s likely they are remembering Jason Odom, an offensive lineman in the 90’s who earned All-SEC and All-American honors while donning the orange and blue. Jason Odom is Jonathan’s father.

    While the elder Odom created quite the legacy at UF (including a UF Hall of Fame induction in 2010 as a Gator Great), Jonathan intends to build his own legacy.

    Jonathan Odom committed to the University of Florida on May 18 while on an unofficial visit to the school. This took place just two weeks after visiting Ohio State, and barely more than a month after his official to UF.

    A tight end who has a three-star ranking according the 24/7 composite, Odom is the No. 29 ranked player at his position in the 2020 recruiting class. Despite the rankings, Odom was a major target for many of the top programs in the country. He held offers from more than thirty schools including blue blood programs such as Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Florida State.

    Odom described what made him choose to commit as, “just the atmosphere, they treated me like family since day one.” The 6’6, 240 lb prospect also liked the way the staff intends to use him in the offensive scheme.

    Since Dan Mullen took over the Florida program in 2018, there has been a much larger emphasis on the tight end position. In 2019, sophomore Kyle Pitts led the Gators in receptions and yards, and scored five touchdowns. Just this week, Pitts was named First Team All-SEC.

    “I’ve loved watching Pitts this season. I’ve learned a lot just by watching him.”

    When asked to compare his game to what we’ve seen from Pitts he stated, “I feel like we have a lot in common in our game. We’ve [already] begun to develop a relationship and talk and I can’t wait to work with and learn from a guy like him. I can’t wait to soak up all the things he can show me to make me even more versatile as a tight end.”

    Odom endured a shoulder injury this season that limited him to action in just four games. In those games, he recorded seven catches for 64 yards with one score. The Tampa native explains that the shoulder is completely healed but he’s still doing rehab to strengthen and regain its full range of motion.

    As a junior, Odom averaged 13.1 yards per reception and found the end zone eight times in helping lead Jesuit High School to a state semifinal berth.

    Odom is a versatile player with solid inline blocking abilities but also has the capability to be flexed out as a receiver. “It’s all about mismatches and Mullen exposes mismatches [well], which is why I ultimately chose Florida.”

    Jonathan made it clear how much impact his father had on his selection of Florida, “My dad playing at UF had zero influence on my decision. This is my decision and [I] chose to go to the best school for me.

    “My dad made sure that my attraction to UF had nothing to do with him and told me that ‘this is my journey.’”

    Jonathan Odom’s journey will continue on Wednesday, December 18 when he officially signs to attend and play football at the University of Florida. He will enroll in early May and begin bonding with his new teammates.

    In the fall of 2020, Odom will be standing on the field named for his father’s coach (Steve Spurrier), wearing the Orange and Blue uniform and looking up to the seats he’s sat in numerous times throughout his childhood.

    “It hasn’t quite set in, but I’m sure it will next Wednesday.”

  • Gators in the NFL: Week 14

    Gators in the NFL: Week 14

    Photo by Jennifer Stewart / Getty Images

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rejuvenated 30 year old in their secondary.

    Joe Haden (corner, Pittsburgh Steelers) is having one of his best years in his 10th NFL season, and he showed out on Sunday in Arizona.

    Pittsburgh defeated the Cardinals 23-17, as Haden logged two critical interceptions and four tackles (all solo).

    No. 23’s first interception came with 8:06 remaining in the third quarter. Quarterback Kyler Murray thought he had a running back open on an out-route. However, Haden was sitting in zone coverage and jumped the route. He snatched the ball just before it reached the receiver, gaining possession for the Steelers, which proceeded to drive down the field and score a touchdown.

    Haden also had the game-sealing interception with 36 seconds left, as Murray threw into coverage in desperate attempt to convert a fourth-and-17 from deep in his own territory.

    Haden has four interceptions on the season (tied for the second-best total of his career) and averages 4.5 tackles per game (second-best rate of his career).

    Dante Fowler Jr. (edge rusher, Los Angeles Rams) is quietly having the best campaign of his career.

    In Sunday’s 28-12 victory over divisional rival Seattle, Fowler made four tackles (two solo), including one for a loss and 1.5 sacks in addition to three quarterback hits.

    In his fourth NFL season, Fowler has career highs in starts (11), tackles (44), tackles for loss (13), sacks (9.0) and quarterback hits (13).

    Eddy Piñeiro (kicker, Chicago Bears) also tasted victory last week in a 31-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

    Piñero converted all of his kicks for the second-straight week, making his only field goal (36 yards, first quarter) and all four extra point attempts.

    Unfortunately for Jacoby Brissett (quarterback, Indianapolis Colts), his team can’t leave its losing ways.

    Brissett completed 19 of 36 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-35 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

    Aided by the return of running back Marlon Mack, Brissett and the Colts were in great position to win with a 35-21 lead with just over five minutes left in the third quarter.

    However, Indianapolis consistently failed to convert third downs from that point (going an underwhelming 6 of 16), allowing the Bucs plenty of opportunity to come back.

    Injury Report:

    Some players sat out of Week 14 due to injuries sustained the week prior, but Sunday also saw players sustain fresh knocks.

    Jarrad Davis (linebacker, Detroit Lions) is questionable to play in Week 15 against Tampa Bay after sustaining an ankle injury in a 20-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

    Quinton Dunbar (corner, Washington Redskins) left a 20-15 loss to the Green Bay Packers with an injured hamstring. He is questionable for Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

    Jon Bullard (defensive tackle, Arizona Cardinals)is finished for the season, as he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

    Brian Poole (safety, New York Jets) didn’t participate in his squad’s 22-21 win over the Miami Dolphins because of a concussion.

    Mark Stine is a contributing writer for Chomp Talk. Follow him on Twitter @mstinejr.

  • AP: Greenard, Pitts named First Team All-SEC; Reese named to Second Team

    AP: Greenard, Pitts named First Team All-SEC; Reese named to Second Team

    Photo by Roy K. Miller / Getty Images

    Jonathan Greenard has arguably been the MVP of the 2019 Florida Gators. Perhaps his impact was most felt in a game he missed, a 42-28 loss to LSU in Death Valley. The Tigers rushed for 218 yards (or 9.1 per carry) and Florida failed to sack Joe Burrow.

    On Monday, the Hiram, GA native was named First Team All-SEC by the Associated Press.

    Joining Greenard on the conference’s first team is TE Kyle Pitts. Pitts emerged into a favorite of QB Kyle Trask after the season ending injury to Feleipe Franks.

    MLB David Reese was named All-SEC second team.

    Greenard finished the season with 52 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks. In addition to that line he forced a pair of fumbles, recorded an interception, and housed an 80-yard fumble recovery against Vanderbilt.

    Pitts, a sophomore from Philadelphia, concluded the 2019 regular season with a team leading 51 catches, 610 yards, and five scores.

    The senior linebacker, Reese, was the team leader on the defensive side of the ball. He led the team with 89 tackles and 5 tackles for loss in addition to two sacks and a recovered fumble.

    Both Greenard and Reese are expected to hear their name called at the NFL Draft in April. Walter Football has Greenard going No. 31 overall in their latest mock draft while Reese is expected to be a Day 3 pick barring an impressive combine / pro day.

    The Gators will face Virginia in the Orange Bowl on December 30 with a chance to win the program’s second straight New Year’s Six Bowl.

  • WBB: Florida drops tight contest at Kansas

    WBB: Florida drops tight contest at Kansas

    Final: Kansas 76, Florida 66

    Photo by Kristen Oliff / ChompTalk.com

    Lawrence, KS- The Florida Gators women’s basketball team traveled to historic Allen Fieldhouse to face the undefeated Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday.

    Despite the result, a 76-66 loss, this game showed just how much Florida has progressed since Cam Newbauer’s first season.

    How it happened

    The Gators started out hot, taking an 8-2 advantage into the first quarter media timeout. Zada Williams recorded four of those first eight on her way to 12 points in the game. Florida led the Jayhawks 14-10 through one quarter.

    By half, Kansas had tied the game. The Jayhawks owned a 28-25 lead with :48 remaining before the intermission, but Kiki Smith converted four free throws while KU’s Brooklyn Mitchell hit one of two from the line to reach the half tied at 29.

    Midway through the third quarter, Kansas went on a 12-5 run to put them ahead 46-39. Florida would claw back to within two at 46-44, but a 6-3 run to end the quarter had the Jayhawks ahead by five heading into the final period of play.

    The Gators closed the gap to two early in the fourth, but a quick 4-0 response by Kansas put the Jayhawks back up by six. A Smith jumper would cut the lead to three, but the Jayhawks wouldn’t let Florida get any closer.

    Kansas finished the game making seven of their last nine from the floor while the Gators only made one of their final nine.

    Individual Stats:

    • Kiki Smith: 18 points, 5 rebounds
    • Lavender Briggs: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
    • Zada Williams: 12 points, 7 rebounds
    • Kristina Moore: 7 points, 5 rebounds
    • Nina Rickards: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals

    Game Stats:

    • FG%: 39
    • 3FG%: 22
    • FT%: 60
    • Reb+/-: -3
    • Assists: 8
    • TO: 14
    • Bench Points: 15

    What’s Next:

    Florida has nine days off with finals approaching for the student athletes. The Gators will take on Mercer on Tuesday, December 17 at Exactech Arena.

    Mercer is 3-6 on the season (at publication). They are 2-0 in December, but have dropped games against a pair of SEC schools already (111-56 vs Alabama, 76-60 vs Georgia).

    Prior to playing in the O’Dome, Mercer will face former Gators head coach Amanda Bulter (Clemson) in a contest that will be streamed on the ESPN app (Sunday, 2 PM).

  • It’s official: Gators vs Virginia in the Orange Bowl

    It’s official: Gators vs Virginia in the Orange Bowl

    Photo by Sam Greenwood / Getty Images

    For the second time in as many years, the Florida Gators will be playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Following the carnage of conference championship weekend, the Gators remained No. 9 in the College Football Playoff Poll.

    Despite getting boat raced in the SEC Championship Game, the Georgia Bulldogs dropped just one spot (No. 5), securing their place in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. As a result, Florida received the Orange Bowl invitation per its SEC tie-in.

    Florida will have a national showcase to put the finishing touches on a potential eleven win season against the Virginia Cavaliers. From a recruiting standpoint, the game is right in the heart of the Gators’ South Florida recruiting hotbed, as the game is played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

    Given the game’s locale, Florida should also have a heavy crowd advantage. Although the matchup with Virginia isn’t exactly a sexy one, Florida’s appearance is evidence of marked improvement within the program. Coach Dan Mullen took a team that was 4-7 the year before and improved them to a ten-win Peach Bowl champion in year one and has the opportunity to increase that win total by winning a second NY6 game during his tenure.

    With the game being played on December 30, the early signing period will take place between now and then. Be sure to follow Chomp Talk for all of the latest news on the recruiting trail and bowl preparations.

  • MBB: Gators fall to No. 24 Butler

    MBB: Gators fall to No. 24 Butler

    Final: Butler 76, Florida 62

    Photo by Joe Robbins / Getty Images

    Florida has fallen to 6-3 on the season with a 76-62 loss to No. 24 Butler (9-0) on Saturday.

    How it happened:

    Florida started out quick, taking a 5-0 lead just fifty-four seconds into the game. Both teams struggled from the field and by the first media break, the Gators lead was just 5-4. The Bulldogs finished the first half on a 22-6 run and exited the court with a 35-25 advantage.

    Most of the second half was back and forth.  Butler extended the lead to as many as 19 (61-42) with 7:33 remaining. The Gators managed to cut the deficit to nine (67-58) with 3:01 left in regulation. However, that was negated as the Bulldogs went on a quick five point run and finished the game on a 9-4 run. 

    Stats:

    Kerry Blackshear: 17 points, 5 rebounds

    Andrew Nembhard: 11 points, 5 assists
    Noah Locke: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
    Keyontae Johnson: 9 points, 3 rebounds
    Scottie Lewis: 3 points, 2 rebounds


    Quick Stats:

    FG%: 44%

    3FG%: 23%
    FT%: 67%
    TO: 10
    Rebound +/-:-3


    Up Next:

    The Gators head to New York to participate in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational. Florida will take on Providence on December 17 in Brooklyn. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 PM and will be aired live on ESPN2. 

  • Sweet Sixteen Bound: Gators sweep UCF; Advance in NCAA Tournament

    Sweet Sixteen Bound: Gators sweep UCF; Advance in NCAA Tournament

    Photo by Kristen Oliff / ChompTalk.com

    The Florida Gators are still dancing.

    The 12th-ranked Gators picked up their second sweep of the NCAA Tournament in Exactech Arena Thursday evening (25-21, 25-18, 25-17), this time against the Knights of Central Florida.

    For the second-straight match, the Gators were without kills-leader Thayer Hall. Florida’s staff is hopeful that she will be ready for the next match.

    Senior Leadership

    It wasn’t as easy for Florida as it may sound. In the first set, the Knights had a 20-17 lead down the stretch. That’s when Gator head coach Mary Wise called a timeout.

    In the resulting huddle, Allie Gregory said that the seniors decided that the Gators “weren’t going to lose tonight.”

    After the break, Florida put together a 9-1 run to take the first set 25-21. From that point forward, the Gators never trailed, except at 1-0 in the second frame.

    Stat Leaders

    Not only did Gregory and her fellow seniors lead off the court, but also on it. Senior middle blocker Rachael Kramer picked up 15 kills on 21 swings, only bested by Paige Hammons‘ 16. Additionally, Kramer co-led the team in blocks with three. Lauren Dooley also contributed with three blocks.

    Gregory continued her high-volume-dig matches with another 17 to lead the team.

    Junior setter Marlie Monserez averaged 13 assists per set with a total of 39.

    As a team, the Gators hit .380 through the three frames. Kramer showed the highest level of consistency with a .667 clip on the night.

    Sweet 16 Schedule

    With the win over UCF, the Gators will face the winners of Minnesota and Creighton, which is Saturday at 8 p.m.

    The Gators faced Minnesota on Sept. 7 of this season. Florida fell in straight sets in Minneapolis. The Gators have not faced Creighton this season.

    For a look at the full NCAA Tournament bracket, click here.

    For more of the latest, follow @ChompTalk and @JEricksonReport on Twitter.

  • Henderson to forgo bowl game, senior season for 2020 NFL Draft

    Henderson to forgo bowl game, senior season for 2020 NFL Draft

    Photo by Roy K. Miller / Getty Images

    CJ Henderson, a mainstay in the Florida Gators’ secondary over the past three seasons, will forgo his senior season and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. He will not play in UF’s bowl game.

    The two-time All-SEC corner made the announcement earlier today on Twitter.

    https://twitter.com/HendersonChris_/status/1203042520667693057?s=20

    Henderson made 27 starts in 34 career games for Florida. He got his first start against on September 23, 2017, at Kentucky.

    He hails from Columbus High School in Miami and was a four-star prospect in 2017, rated the No. 16 corner in the country and 139th player overall according to 247 Sports.

    While Henderson didn’t have an interception in 2019, he defended 11 passes and made 33 tackles (three for a loss and one sack) in nine games.

    According to the latest CBS Sports mock draft, he is projected to go 24th overall.

    His year-by-year statistics are as follows:

    2017 (Coaches SEC All-Freshman / AP Second Team All-SEC): 22 tackles (14 solo), 4 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 4 passes broken up

    2018 (Coaches Second Team All-SEC): 38 tackles (26 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 7 passes broken up

    2019: 33 tackles (26 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 11 passes broken up

    Mark Stine is a contributing writer for Chomp Talk. Follow him on Twitter @mstinejr.