FanHouse Top 30: No. 12 Florida

No. 12 Florida (21-13, 9-7)

In: F Cody Larson (Fr.), G/F Casey Prather (Fr.), G Mike Rosario (Transfer), G Scottie Wilbekin (Fr.), F Will Yeguete (Fr.), F/C Patric Young (Fr.)

Out: G Ray Shipman (transfer), F Dan Werner

Florida enters the season with expectations that haven't been seen in Gainesville, Fla., in recent years. Even though coach Billy Donovan has tried his best to downplay his team's potential, it's hard to argue with those who have stamped the favorite tag squarely on the Gators' forehead.

UF is the only school in the SEC to return all five of its starters from a year ago. Additionally, the Gators return five double-digit scorers for the first time since 2007, when they won their second consecutive national title. If that's not enough, UF's talented freshmen class is expected to provide the quality depth needed over the course of the season.

However, if the Gators are to live up to expectations, they need to improve in two key areas from a year ago -- defense and rebounding.

UF has stressed defensive intensity leading up to its season opener against UNC-Wilmington on Nov. 12. Last season the Gators surrendered 60.1 points per game in their 21 wins compared to 76.6 points per game in their 13 defeats.

Florida also hopes its experience prevails in close games. Last season, 11 of UF's games were decided by five points or less, with the Gators going 6-5. Overall, 10 of their 13 defeats were by eight points or less.

This team might have a little magic up its sleeve, too. Senior Chandler Parsons, "Mr. Clutch," became the first Gator in history to hit two true buzzer-beaters in one season a year ago, while forward Alex Tyus withdrew his name from the NBA draft to return for his senior season.

This isn't Donovan's first rodeo. He needs just 10 wins to move into third place all-time in victories among SEC men's basketball coaches. Donovan enters the season with 331 wins at UF.

Most Important Player: Patric Young. The freshman, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Jacksonville, Fla., is the 13th McDonald's All-American signed by Donovan. He is expected to see plenty of time despite the return of so many veterans. Young was part of the 2010 USA Basketball U18 National Team that won gold at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Donovan says Young's greatest strength is his "incredible motor," citing Young's passion and energy for the game. Young has been affectionately called "a freak" by teammates.

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Question to Answer: UF's guard tandem of Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker can be one of the country's most exciting. Boynton is a legitimate candidate for SEC Player of the Year honors after he averaged 14 points a game as a freshman. Walker averaged 12.6 points as the team's second-leading scorer. Still, the duo needs to improve its shooting eye as both converted under 38 percent from the field. Boynton worked with a shooting coach over the summer. It's no secret the Gators love to let the trey fly. UF is the only SEC school to have hit 200-plus three-pointers in each of the past 14 seasons.

Best-Case Scenario: UF, one of only five schools to have reached 20 wins every year since the 1998-99 season, acts its age and goes deep into the NCAA Tourney, as expected. The Gators certainly have talent, depth and leadership to make a national impact.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Gators can't handle the expectations, Donovan tries too hard to split minutes among a talented roster, and UF tumbles early in the SEC and NCAA tournaments -- just like a year ago.

FanHouse Prediction: UF players have embraced the swirling expectations, saying their goals are higher this year compared to past years. While the Gators were not outstanding in any particular statistical category last year, they should be better prepared across the board this season. There's no reason this team shouldn't contend for a Final Four berth.