Florida could start ranked inside top 5 with key player possibly returning, Boogie Fland boost

The Florida Gators are once again building a roster for another national championship run. This time, however, the target is on their backs as the defending national champions. The only other time they had a chance to go back-to-back, they succeeded—so history is certainly on Florida’s side.

Head coach Todd Golden understands that repeating as champions is no easy task. In the era of the transfer portal, he’s focused on adding some of the top talent available. On Tuesday, Golden made a major move by landing Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland.

“Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland has committed to the defending NCAA champion University of Florida and head coach Todd Golden, Fland told ESPN. Fland, the 6-foot-3, former McDonald’s All-American, finds a new home in Golden’s uptempo system,” Shams Charania posted.

Before Fland officially withdrew from the NBA Draft process, Golden was already planning to find a strong replacement for Denzel Aberdeen.

“Losing Denzel Aberdeen was tough, but we wish him nothing but the best. I'm pretty confident we can find somebody to take that spot. The Gators are gonna have a really good group again next year,” Golden said.

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello believes that retaining just one more key player from last season could elevate Florida into elite preseason status.

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“With Boogie Fland now next to Xaivian Lee in the backcourt, Florida will open next season in the top five if Alex Condon withdraws from the NBA draft and returns to Gainesville,” Borzello wrote.

Condon is a do-it-all type of player—he hustles, rebounds, and delivers buckets when it matters most. He’s the ultimate glue guy and creates mismatches across the floor. If he returns, Golden could have the tallest starting lineup in all of college basketball. Starting in the top 5 would be yet another big statement for the Gators.

With the roster taking shape and key players possibly returning, it’s becoming a very real possibility that the defending national champions could go back-to-back.