Fansided

Way too early 2017-18 College Basketball Top 25

By Cody Williams

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels players celebrate after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels players celebrate after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard KeVaughn Allen (5) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard KeVaughn Allen (5) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Florida Gators

Before we get started, let’s pour one out for Canyon Berry as he leaves the Florida Gators program. He was a fun player and a playmaker for this team, but most importantly, with him goes the famed underhanded “Granny Shot” free throws that we’ve all come to know and love. Even without the novelty of Berry’s free throws, though, Mike White and the Gators figure to be a force next season.

Starting with the backcourt, the likes of KeVaughn Allen and Chris Chiozza—of wild buzzer-beater fame against Wisconsin—will be back to set the tone in that area of the lineup. Having two experienced guards that have also proven to be clutch is a great foundation to help build a team off of, especially one as defensive-minded as Florida. It gets even better for the Gators, though.

John Egbunu will be back to anchor the frontcourt after suffering a torn ACL that put him out of the NCAA Tournament, unfortunately. He progressed a great deal over the course of this past season and, as he recovers from the injury, he should be a big factor for the Gators. With those three and Devin Robinson also potentially returning, Florida is going to be fighting with Kentucky for the SEC crown, without question, once again.