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Jay Bilas explains why Florida remains a ‘formidable’ threat despite shaky Elite Eight performance
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Jay Bilas is still a believer in Florida even after a couple of unexpected-close NCAA Tournament games.
After getting tested by UConn last weekend, the Gators were pushed to the brink by Texas Tech in the Elite Eight on Saturday night. After trailing by 9 with about 3 minutes to go, Florida was able to prevail thanks to some clutch shot-making by Walter Clayton Jr. and some key mistakes by the Red Raiders.
Speaing on Sunday’s edition of College GameDay, Bilas broke down why Florida remains a serious threat for the national title.
“I think all of us thought on Selection Sunday, ‘Florida is the best team in the country,'” Bilas said. “I haven’t let go of that thought, although Duke is playing the best right now. Florida is formidable. Because they have incredible depth. They’ve got outstanding guards that have experience. They’re tough at both ends of the floor. They’re good defensively.
“And they’ve got a bucket-getter under the hottest of hot lights in Walter Clayton Jr. When things break down, he can go get you one. And for him to come up with 30 in that game and to execute on that stage with that amount of pressure, just blown away by his presence. He’s not a good player, he’s a truly great basketball player.”
Here’s a clip of his comments:
Florida will face either Auburn or Michigan State in the Final Four next weekend in San Antonio.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
