2012 Navy-Marine Corps Classic preparations 'crazy, but fun'

Alan Verlander, Jackonsville's sports and entertainment executive director, said "it's been crazy" getting prepared for the Navy-Marine Corps Classic "but it's been fun," according to The Florida Times-Union's Garry Smits.

The Florida men's basketball team plays Georgetown in the second annual Navy-Marine Corps Classic on a carrier ship off the coast of Jacksonville on Friday at 9 p.m.

Mike Hill, Florida's executive associate athletics director for external affairs, said the Gators are excited about playing on the The Bataan.

"There is a tremendous amount of excitement among the players," Hill told the Florida Times-Union. "They're really fired up about it, especially since we came back from Norfolk [on a visit by UF officials to get a tour of the boat for planning purposes] and showed them pictures of the ship."

Florida is coming off a 26-11 season. The Gators were 10-6 in the the Southeastern Conference.

Georgetown went 24-9 overall last season. In the Big East, the Hoyas were 12-6.