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Florida Gators freshman guard Andrew Nembhard sinking a straightaway three with one second left to beat LSU in the SEC Tournament on Friday may not go down as the moment of the year in Florida athletics, given how many different things happen in one year for the Everything School.
(I mean, we haven’t even written up Florida’s indoor track team winning a national title last weekend — and that’s on us, sure, but it’s also just another great thing of the many to note about Florida’s program.)
But it sure was a moment roundly celebrated by Gator Nation.
Gators greats Joakim Noah and Chandler Parsons were rooting on their Gator Boys as Memphis Grizzlies teammates.
GO GATORS !!!! LETSSS GOOOO pic.twitter.com/HqaGUbhizL
— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) March 15, 2019
Florida’s football team delayed meetings to catch the last moments of the game.
Meetings had to start a little late today! Congratulations @GatorsMBK. Chomp Chomp pic.twitter.com/ja0U1Fq3aF
— Coach Billy Gonzales (@CoachBillyG) March 15, 2019
Florida’s gymnastics team put off practice, if only briefly.
Bar intra-squad was delayed, but can I get a #GoGators?! It’s Great To Be A Florida Gator!! > pic.twitter.com/o6SEv8JyRS
— Coach Jenny Rowland (@JennyRowlandUF) March 15, 2019
And, of course, legendary Florida announcer Mick Hubert gave a legendary call as only he can:
OH MY!!!!! @AndrewNembhard drains the game-winning before the to help @GatorsMBK knock off LSU
— Learfield IMG College Audio (@IMGAudio) March 15, 2019
Mick Hubert’s call is a MUST-LISTEN‼️#GoGators | #SECTourney pic.twitter.com/XFaLnOiKAT
Big time shots are better with Mick Hubert audio. #SECTourney #GatorsHoop pic.twitter.com/TLLfZrkX8J
— Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 15, 2019
That shot didn’t win an SEC title; it might not even result in Florida playing for one. It probably got Florida into the NCAA Tournament, but it obviously doesn’t guarantee the Gators a win in March Madness.
What it unquestionably did, though, was brighten the spirits of thousands, if not millions, in Gator Nation. And when we talk about the power of sports, we should remember how wonderful moments like this one feel.