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Transfers of Sydney Moss, Vicky McIntyre, and Chandler Cooper leave Amanda Butler's Gators in flux

2013-06-19T15:15:10Z

Florida's women's basketball team had an above-average 2012-13 season, but the way the Gators ended the year — using substantial contributions from underclassmen to get to the Final Four of the Women's NIT — left many who care about the program really optimistic about the future.

With Sydney Moss, Vicky McIntyre, and Chandler Cooper all announcing transfers in the past month, and the rumblings about those transfers pointing to dissent among teammates as part of the players' reasonings, that optimism is evaporating.

The Alligator's Phillip Heilman has been all over this story of late — he broke the Cooper transfer earlier in June, and the McIntyre and Moss transfers Tuesday night — and his read on the program is that "severe internal issues" might be at the root of these transfers.

Those issues are more anyone's guess than blindingly obvious, but a few things are more likely than not, and Amanda Butler's coaching style being at the center of the departures of talented players seems like the most reasonable explanation. Butler is a fiery, demanding coach, as befits a hard-nosed former guard, and she grinds on her players. The three players transferring, McIntyre especially, never struck me as players who would be impervious to withering coaching, but while Butler got almost nothing out of an injured Cooper and not much out of a largely ineffective McIntyre (4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game), Moss was arguably Florida's best player in 2012-13, scoring 11.8 points and grabbing 6.8 rebounds per game while also leading the Gators with 3.9 assists per contest.

Moss was so good, in fact, that she made the SEC's All-Freshman team, and the Postseason WNIT's All-Tournament team — she averaged 19.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in the tournament — and earned a tryout for the United States' U19 World Championship team, one of just 34 players nationally to do so. She was very, very good as a freshman, and appeared to have the brightest future of any player on the team; for her, leaving cannot be chalked up to playing time issues (plausible for McIntyre) or interest in a fresh start (very plausible for Cooper). And so the focus swings back around to Butler: Is she at the root of her players leaving?

I think Butler's a good coach, and has probably done no worse than the second-best job any Florida women's basketball coach in history; I wrote a long piece about Butler's arc in January, before Florida made its game charge at an NCAA Tournament berth and its deep WNIT run. And had I revisited that piece at the beginning of June, or even after the transfer of Cooper, I would probably have found my optimism to be a bit of an undersell of my feeling that this program is still destined for big successes under Butler. But the transfers of Moss and McIntyre mean that Florida loses three likely rotation players on top of losing Jennifer George entering 2013-14, and makes these paragraphs look a lot different:

Azania Stewart was good enough to play on the British Olympic team. Jennifer George was one of Butler's first big-time Florida recruits, and has become an all-SEC and potential All-America performer. Carlie Needles, Kayla Lewis, Sydney Moss, and Chandler Cooper were all four-star recruits; Jordan Jones was a big-time transfer, and Vicky McIntyre, who gives Florida the sort of potentially dominant shot-blocker it has never had before, is a big-time transfer, and Antoinette Bannister will be a big-time transfer, too.

And Ronni Williams, the centerpiece of Florida's 2013 recruiting class, is the highest-ranked player Florida has ever landed, and the sort of player who leads teams deep into March.

Williams is still on her way, and Bannister is still with the team, and recruit Haley Lorenzen may end up being more effective down low than McIntyre was. But losing Moss and Cooper means slicing that four-pack of four-stars in half, and losing McIntyre, whose transfer to Florida after tragedy struck her Oklahoma State team produced glowing writeups means that those writeups will get re-examined.

And that's not the only one worth looking at again: Matt Watts' 2011 declaration of "The Gator Substandard" could have been tweaked just a bit and published a couple of months ago, and this isn't the first time three players have exited Florida's program of their own volition in a single year under Butler: Trumae Lucas, Tessah Holt, and Christal Caldwell all departed after 2010. Caldwell became an All-Big 12 performer at West Virginia, Lucas found a niche as a disruptive bench player at Delaware, and Holt has become a steady distributor at Boston College.

With that cycle seemingly repeating, it's definitely fair to wonder how long Florida will stick with Butler, even if she has gone past merely having Gators roots to earn defenders with her successes as a coach. The barometer for success at Florida has been being in range of a conference championship in every other sport, and, since the 2007-08 season, just three of the 20 Florida programs haven't won a conference title: Men's tennis, men's cross country, and women's basketball.

In 2012-13, Florida men's tennis was coached by first-year head coach Bryan Shelton, and Florida's men's cross country was coached by first-year coach Paul Spangler — and Mike Holloway, whose men's track team won another outdoor track national title, the fifth of his career. And Florida women's basketball was coached by Amanda Butler, whose Gators finished tied for eighth in the SEC with a 6-10 conference record, and whose best career finish in the SEC is a tie for fourth.

In fairness, Florida is in a difficult spot in the SEC, one of the strongest conferences in women's college basketball. But Butler's talk from the beginning of her tenure has been about winning titles with her Gators. And that hasn't happened yet.

If that talk doesn't get backed up, and soon, the whispers about Butler's future are going to get louder.

Chomping at Bits: Five freshmen who could emerge, SEC recruiting update

2013-06-19T13:00:05Z

Chomping at Bits comes stocked with the best Florida Gators links and news we can find. Got a link we should check out? Email us at AlligatorArmy@gmail.com, subject line CAB, or find us on Twitter at @AlligatorArmy or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AlligatorArmy.

Five freshman who could step up: Can't say I disagree with any on the list, although I will say that I'm really looking forward to seeing both Vernon Hargreaves and Demarcus Robinson just a little bit more than the others. (Robbie Andreu, The Gainesville Sun)

The Gators fit the "championship mold": The Gators are one of the six teams that Phil Steele has written down as possible BCS National Championship contenders. The most surprising team on the list? Vanderbilt. Yes, Vanderbilt. And then Northwestern. (Jon Pennington, MrSEC)

SEC recruiting update: The Gators currently have the No. 8 class in the SEC? I highly doubt that. But just looking at the lists so far, there are some impressive players that are possibly heading to the conference next year. (Jon Cooper, Saturday Down South)

Top SEC games, Nos. 20-16: I'm sure the Gators will have at least one game in each section of the list. In this case, the home game against Arkansas is discussed. (Pat Dooley, The Gainesville Sun)

Jonathon Crawford, Connecticut Tiger: After working out with the Detroit Tigers' low-A NY/Penn League team, yeah, I'd ask for Justin Verlander's phone number as well. (Scott Carter, Carter's Corner)

Other former Gators enter professional baseball: Along with Crawford, Cody Dent, Daniel Gibson, and Taylor Ratliff all began their professional careers as they have signed contracts and were placed on various minor league teams across the country. (GatorZone)

Police question Aaron Hernandez: After a body was discovered at 5:30 p.m., police ran the plates of a rental car and it led them to Hernandez. At this time he is not considered a suspect. (Associated Press, The Gainesville Sun)

NBA Finals note: I say all this having not really seen a few of the games, but everybody in the NBA travels/walks these days, that's nothing new. It's one of the things that makes the NBA unwatchable and boring in my opinion. But apparently only Miami gets away with mugging someone late in the game. #GoSpursGo

The comments are yours.

Florida basketball recruiting: 2015 F Kevarrius Hayes commits to Gators

2013-06-18T15:26:23Z

Florida's basketball recruiting focus of late has largely been on building a 2014 class to transition the Gators from a loaded 2013-14 roster to an uncertain future. Adding Kevarrius Hayes, a forward from the Class of 2015 who committed to the Gators on Monday night, as first reported by FOX Sports' Evan Daniels, means that Billy Donovan and his staff may be looking at the 2014 and 2015 classes together.

Hayes is listed at 6'9" and 190 pouns by both 247Sports and ESPN ($), is an ESPN 60 player in the 2015 class, checking in at No. 58. His impressive wingspan appears to be in the range of Al Horford's, despite Hayes just finishing his sophomore year of high school, and his athleticism is evident in this video.

But the name that comes up most often as a comparison for Hayes, who attends Live Oak's Suwannee High School and plays his AAU basketball with Nike Team Florida, is current Florida player Will Yeguete, and that seems to me to signal that Hayes is higher on energy and defensive intensity than polish. A scouting report from ESPN's Reggie Rankin ($) that calls him an "excellent shot-blocker" and a "relentless rebounder" without mentioning his ability to score except on putbacks and in transition backs that up.

But Hayes obviously won't be at Florida until about 48 months from now, and that's obviously a lot of time to improve. His commitment also gives the Gators a high-potential building block who could grow into one of the best post players in the 2015 class if his offensive game develops. Hayes holds a 3.0 GPA, and told Rankin he wants to be a doctor, so he surely knows that adding to his game may help him forestall that medical career.

Moreover, Hayes adds another name to the future rotations for Billy Donovan. Florida can count on Hayes, Class of 2014 point guard Chris Chiozza, and rising sophomores Michael Frazier, Dillon Graham, and DeVon Walker in 2015, but has no assurances that any of the other players currently on Florida's roster or incoming freshmen Kasey Hill and Chris Walker will still be around. (And Frazier's stock might well rise to the realm where leaving early for the NBA Draft makes sense.)

Because of that projection, which makes Hayes the Gators' only true frontcourt player locked up for the far future, and because Florida's been burnt on its recruitment of big men with the loss of local player Joel Embiid to Kansas and the decommitment of Schuyler Rimmer, it's critical that Donovan goes out and gets players like Hayes, even if it means locking them up very early. And it doesn't hurt that Hayes' Nike Team Florida team has long been a Florida pipeline, sending Yeguete, Scottie Wilbekin, Chandler Parsons, Nick Calathes, Walter Hodge, and DeVon Walker up to Gainesville, nor that big-time 2015 point guard Haanif Cheatham is on that team, too.

Florida probably likes what it sees in Hayes, and teams can never have too many active rebounders and shot-swatters. But Hayes' commitment, like Chiozza's before it, is as much about Billy Donovan's vision for the future of the Gators as it is about the players making the commitment. And with Donovan now offering and taking commitments from players who would theoretically graduate from Florida in 2019, it seems likely that the man who has become synonymous with the Gators of the hardwood is planning on being in Gainesville for many years to come.

Chomping at Bits: Florida basketball gets commitment from Kevarrius Hayes

2013-06-18T14:01:54Z

2015 forward Kevarrius Hayes commits to Florida: He's from Suwannee High in Live Oak. We'll have a full story on this in a bit. (Kevin Brockway, The Gainesville Sun | Adam Silverstein, Only Gators | Terrence Payne, College Basketball Talk)

Michael Frazier makes USA U19 team: Big honor for Frazier. We might have more on this, too. (Gary Parrish, CBS Sports)

The top 10 Gators moments of 2012-13: Don't agree with all of the choices, but this list is solid. (Chris Harry, GatorZone)

Florida gets long odds for SEC title: Can't say I disagree with the odds. (Rodger Sherman, SB Nation)

Johnny Manziel is right: So much of the backlash toward Manziel seems to me to be about how ungrateful he seems. (Spencer Hall, SB Nation)

Finding yourself in America: Another searing read from one of the best writers working. (Kiese Laymon, Guernica)

Your Gators moment of zen:

14 dollars for boneless wings and I drink at the movies I might as well hit red lobster
— K.B #GTD (@K_Boynton1) June 18, 2013

The comments are yours.

Chomping at Bits: Billy Horschel ties for fourth at U.S. Open, Will Muschamp aware of Antonio Morrison arrest

2013-06-17T13:30:04Z

Billy Horschel ties for fourth at U.S. Open: He'll make almost $300,000 for his weekend. Not bad for a guy who only got his PGA Tour card for the 2013 season, and wore octopus pants on Sunday. (SB Nation)

Will Muschamp "aware of" and "handling" Antonio Morrison's arrest: What more can we ask?

Statement from Florida spokesperson Steve McClain re: Morrison arrest: "Coach Muschamp is aware of the situation and handling the matter."
— Kevin Brockway (@gatorhoops) June 16, 2013

Morrison released on own recognizance, says Huntley Johnson: So there's that.

G-ville attorney Huntley Johnson said Gators LB Antonio Morrison (simply battery) released from jail this morning on his own recognizance.
— Sentinel Gators beat (@osgators) June 17, 2013

#BringBackWhiteHelmets: I'm only on board with this if the white helmets are the Alabama throwbacks from 2006. (The Unsportsmanlike Gentleman, Our Two Bits)

Michael Frazier among 16 players still alive for USA U19 team: Billy Donovan is coaching this team. Will he cut his own guy? (GatorZone)

Mike Holloway earns Coach of the Year honors: Which is what you'd expect for the coach of the national champions. (GatorZone)

Your Gators moment of zen:

Dinner in Atlanta :) @jeffdriskel pic.twitter.com/SVAvwN0N3X
— Tarin Moses (@TarinMoses) June 15, 2013

Jeff Driskel perpetually looks like an 11th-grader to me.

The comments are yours.

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison arrested for battery in nightclub incident

2013-06-16T15:00:45Z

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison was arrested early Sunday morning after punching a bouncer at Kava Lounge in Gainesville, according to multiple reports from Gainesville Television Network reporters.

@GainesvillePD arrested UF football player Antonio Morrison last night for simple battery, @GPDBenTobias says. @JQuittner @mygtn
— Laura Christmas (@LauraChristmas1) June 16, 2013

Here is Morrison's mugshot. Morrison was arrested for "battery: touch or strike," under Florida statute 783.04.1a1. That law reads as follows:

784.03 Battery; felony battery.

(1)(a) The offense of battery occurs when a person:

1. Actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other; or

2. Intentionally causes bodily harm to another person.

Morrison's charge is, thus, misdemeanor battery.

GTN reporter Joanna Wise provides more details on Morrison's arrest:

UF football player Antonio Morrison arrested for punching a bouncer on the side of the head. Bouncer wouldn't let him into Kava for free.
— Joanna Wise (@joannakwise) June 16, 2013

Antonio Morrison told bouncer, "Do you know who I am? I am a UF football player, I am Antonio!" Bouncer didn't care.
— Joanna Wise (@joannakwise) June 16, 2013

Update: The Gainesville Police Department's arrest report states that, at 2:15 a.m., Morrison had a conversation with the bouncer at Kava, and asked about a discount, then yelled "Don't you know who I am? I am a football player! I'm Antonio!" According to two witnesses, Morrison then hit the bouncer with a closed fist on the top of the head.

The victim told the arresting officer he looked up Morrison on the Florida website between the time of the incident and the officer's arrival. Morrison told the officer he had a "scuffle" with the bouncer, but said it wasn't a big deal, and that he was intoxicated at the time. (Morrison is 19, and thus not of legal age for alcohol consumption.)

Playing the "Do you know who I am?" card is always going to work poorly for you, no matter who you are. It should also be noted that Morrison receiving free admission could have been an NCAA violation if bouncers at Kava Lounge, a bar and hookah lounge at 1007 W University Avenue, do not otherwise provide discretionary free admission to members of the general public.

Morrison contributed extensively as a freshman in 2012, most memorably jarring the ball loose from EJ Manuel on a hit that swung Florida's win over Florida State, and is expected to be Florida's starting middle linebacker in the fall. His arrest on a misdemeanor charge, even one with details as ugly as this, is unlikely to produce more than an indefinite suspension from Will Muschamp, and Morrison is unlikely to miss games because of it. It is a safe bet that Morrison lawyers up (with Huntley Johnson) and gets a deferred prosecution arrangement from a court.

But it's still very disappointing when any Florida player has a run-in with the law, and Morrison's arrest ends a relatively long string of arrest-free off-the-field conduct from Gators football players. The last Gators football player arrested was Loucheiz Purifoy, in February, but his marijuana possession charge was dropped; the last Florida arrest that stuck was Jessamen Dunker's, for grand theft scooter, in January, and Dunker has since transferred from Florida.

Chomping At Bits: Billy Horschel leading 2013 U.S. Open

2013-06-15T14:37:42Z

Billy Horschel leads U.S. Open through 36 holes: Sure, he's sharing the lead with some Mickelson guy. But, whatever: A kid from Brevard County and Florida is leading the U.S. Open. The 321 is representing this weekend. (Brendan Porath, SB Nation | U.S. Open Leaderboard)

Florida's track trophy on the way: The Gators lost a coin flip to Texas A&M and didn't get to take a trophy home last week, but the NCAA is providing. (Scott Carter, Carter's Corner | GatorZone)

Jeff Driskel, Heisman dark horse: Bruce Feldman likes his (long) odds. (Bruce Feldman, CBS Sports)

Far too early Week 1 previews: I agree that these are far too early. (Morgan Moriarty, Our Two Bits)

What's the last Beatles album? I had no idea this was a debate. Then again, I'm not old. (Rob Sheffield, Pop Life | Rolling Stone)

Stop being annoying on Twitter: I'm proud to be mostly skeptical of these rather crappy ploys for attention. (Benjamin Hart, The Awl)

But this really is a must-read: Unless, you know, you're in the habit of passing up stories about driving like a maniac to get to the hospital when your child is literally hanging out of your wife. (Matt Crossman, SB Nation Longform)

Your Gators moment of zen: This is apparently what you say before playing a round and taking a share of the lead into the weekend.

Well crazy day of golf. Wait around, play a hole, wait around more then play to darkness. Played solid just no putts went in. Long day 2mrw!
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) June 14, 2013

The comments are yours.

Chomping at Bits: Mike Zunino's Mariners call-up, Texas A&M AD taunts Alabama

2013-06-14T16:03:40Z

How Mike Zunino made it to the majors so fast: Basically, the Mariners are terrible. (Richard Johnson, The Independent Florida Alligator)

Tim Tebow's baseball chops: People seem to forget that Tebow's unorthodox throwing motion was blamed on his baseball days for quite a while. (Marc Normandin, SB Nation)

Jeff Driskel's baseball shock: The Red Sox picking him came as a surprise to many. (Patricia Butler, The Independent Florida Alligator)

Texas A&M athletic director now taunting Alabama: Poke the bear. Poke the Bear. Do it. (Patrick Vint, SB Nation)

SB Nation SEC blogs roundtable on nine-game schedules: Lots of resignation here. (SB Nation)

Nick Saban, the Tennessee intruder: Great little story from one of the SEC's oft-forgotten rivalries. (Steven Godfrey, SB Nation)

What's the SEC's best all-time team? It's Alabama, says an Alabama fan. (bammer, Roll 'Bama Roll)

The most dedicated Texas basketball fan calls it quits: Makes me want to spend a year on the Gators' trail. (Eamonn Brennan, ESPN)

?uestlove in his middle age: I find the dude fascinating, and I hope you do, too. (Jenna Sauers, The Village Voice)

Your Gators moment of zen:

Apparently my little brother ran away from @GenGen_LaCaze and @CoryMcGee1 at Publix? He said you two were too pretty... #AwkwardTeen
— John-Logan Hines (@JL_Hines) June 11, 2013

@JL_Hines @GenGen_LaCaze @CoryMcGee1 Are you sure it wasn't because of their bulging muscles? :)
— Matt DeLancey (@Matt_DeLancey) June 11, 2013

@JL_Hines @CoryMcGee1 he was too cute. We tried to talk to him but as I went to speak he had already checked out and was outside publix??
— Genevieve LaCaze (@GenGen_LaCaze) June 11, 2013

@Matt_DeLancey @jl_hines @gengen_lacaze it was definitely the muscles, Matt. Sorry to scare your bro, jl. We can't help it.
— Cory McGee (@CoryMcGeeRuns) June 12, 2013

The comments are yours.