Florida Big Man Micah Handlogten Unlikely to Play vs. Wake Forest

Gators big man Micah Handlogten is unexpected to play in Florida's ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against Wake Forest on Wednesday, per report.

Update: Gators center Micah Handlogten has officially been ruled out of Florida’s contest against Wake Forest, a team spokesperson tells All Gators.

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Gators starting center Micah Handlogten, initially considered a game-time decision, isn't expected to play in Florida's ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Wednesday night in Winston-Salem, N.C., Swamp247's Jacob Rudner reports. 

As he did against Baylor on Friday, Handlogten is anticipated to participate in pregame warmups — and dress out again — for game seven of the Gators season but is unlikely to see action as he rehabilitates the ankle injury he suffered in the first minute of Florida's eventual 15-point win over Pitt a week ago. 

On Tuesday, UF head coach Todd Golden provided an update on Handlogten, suggesting he was growing closer to returning to the floor. However, the team is diligently monitoring his progress and acting with precaution to avoid further hurt upon returning to in-game action.

"He's getting there," Golden shared with local media on Tuesday. "Obviously, an ankle deal. He's working hard to get back. Anticipate him giving it a go at practice today and see what it looks like and we'll kind of make it a game-time decision."

But, as UF aims to avoid any further hurt to Handlogten, he will likely be held out of Wednesday's matchup as a precaution.

Averaging 10 points, 8.5 rebounds and one block per game in the four contests he started and finished, Handlogten has proven to be a valuable two-way asset for the Gators amid their rejuvenated production to begin the 2023-24 season relative to last season.

Without the 7-foot-1 center in the fold, the Gators will employ a small-ball starting lineup, consisting of four guards — Zyon Pullin, Walter Clayton Jr., Riley Kugel and Will Richard — and forward Tyrese Samuel at the five. 

Samuel's excelled in the two outings he's been forced to play primarily at center, totaling 39 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and five steals. It resulted in SEC Player of the Week honors handed down by the league on Monday. 

Despite his individual success in Handlogten's absence, Samuel praised the center on Tuesday, expressing his desire to get his frontcourt counterpart back in the fold. 

"Having Micah in there, he's a big part of our team, a good rim protector and rebounder, finishes a lot of second-chance points for us," Samuel said when asked about Handlogten. "Hopefully, Micah will be back soon."

True freshmen Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh will serve as complementary contributors to Samuel down low against Wake Forest's Andrew Carr and Matthew Marsah on Wednesday.

The Gators' bout against the Demon Deacons is set to tip off at 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

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