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Gators versatility their biggest strength

Florida's depth and versatility could be a big benefit Saturday at No. 8 Arizona

US PRESSWIRE

While jumping out to a 7-0 start and the No. 5 ranking in the country, the Florida Gators have showcased a versatile lineup and a solid eight-man rotation. As Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun writes, that versatility could come in handy on Saturday when the Gators travel to meet No. 8 Arizona in a big early-season top-10 matchup.

The Wildcats boast a big lineup with starters such as 7-footer Kaleb Tarczewski, 6-8 forward Brandon Ashley and 6-7 forward Solomon Hill. Brockway writes that coach Billy Donovan could opt for a bigger lineup with Patric Young, Erik Murphy and Will Yeguete, or he could start three guards and start Scottie Wilbekin, Kenny Boynton and Mike Rosario, with Murphy and Young up front.

Donovan also has the benefit of a solid bench, with Casey Prather and Michael Frazier II putting up good numbers so far. The Gators have averaged over 30 bench points a game over their past three games.

Donovan mentioned Murphy's flexibility and many other factors when talking about the different looks Florida can throw at a team:

"There are some games where we've played small and moved Murphy to the five (center) and Prather to the four (power forward)," Donovan said. "I think a lot of it depends on fatigue, foul trouble, matchups with the other team. So I think in certain situations a smaller lineup can look good, and in certain situations a bigger lineup can look good. I think it depends on what's really going on during the game."

The Gators and Wildcats meet Saturday at 10 p.m. The game will be televised by ESPN.

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