Riley Kugel Considered Probable for Florida's Non-Conference Finale
The Gators are likely to get a key cog in the wheel back for the unit's final non-conference contest of the 2023-24 regular season.
Florida guard Riley Kugel is expected to return to the hardwood against Quinnipiac after missing the Gators' 39-point win over Grambling State with a bruised foot one week ago. He is deemed as probable for the contest and is participating in practices with the squad in the days leading up to Saturday's bout, a team spokesperson shared with local media on Friday.
Golden shed light on Kugel's absence against the Tigers on Dec. 22 during his post-game interview, as the squad's long-term aspirations and the opportunity to produce a dominant win outweighed the alternative.
"Just going into break, it makes sense to make sure he's fully ready to go when we come back after the break," Golden said following the 96-57 win. "Then, testing it and worry about him getting banged up and not playing as hard as we need him to in a game like this. We felt like the other guys would be able to step up, and they did."
Junior Will Richard highlighted the unit's scoring efforts in Kugel's absence, knocking down five three-pointers en route to 17 points and two steals. Fifth-year guard Zyon Pullin performed at a high clip as well, posting 14 points, six assists and zero turnovers in the win.
Afforded eight more days to recuperate thanks to the holiday break, Kugel will be plugged back into the fold for the Gators' final out-of-conference contest before SEC play commences on Jan. 6 against Kentucky in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Related: Florida Gators' SEC-Opening Contest vs. Kentucky Sold Out
The matchup could prove significant for the Gators' star guard as he's struggled to find a rhythm after back-to-back games of 25 and 24 points, respectively, in losses to Baylor and Wake Forest. Since then, Kugel is averaging just 5.5 points per game, shooting a mere 24.3% from the field and 5% from beyond the arc.
Getting him going heading into league play is a paramount focus for Florida as it strives to earn a tournament berth for the first time in three seasons in 2023-24.
Under Golden, starters returning from injury have usually been eased back into the rotation, beginning the contest on the bench before serving complementary minutes based on the head coach's discretion and individual comfort.
That was the case with center Micah Handlogten against Merrimack following a two-game absence as he dealt with an ankle hurt suffered against Pitt in the team's fifth contest of the year.
He returned at full capacity in the Gators' ensuing game against Richmond.
As a result, Kugel may come off the bench while highly efficient veteran point guard, Pullin, will occupy a starting role alongside Walter Clayton Jr. and Richard in the backcourt. Tyrese Samuel and Handlogten will maintain their frontcourt spots.
Tip-off against the Bobcats is set for 1 p.m. ET.
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