Todd Golden has brought the Florida Gators back to the Final Four for the first time since 2014. While their competition may have more experience than the Gators, it’s evident the 39-year-old coach believes his team is ready for battle. Florida will be facing off against Auburn in San Antonio, with a chance at playing for the national title on the line.
During a press conference before the showdown with the Gators’ SEC rival, Golden explained his team’s mindset entering the clash, and why they’re more prepared than you may think. “I think the same reason why I’ve had success all year is why we’ll be okay. Being here, this being the first time — we have a very mature group. Very unselfish group. Guys that are very driven,” Golden stated. “You look at the way we played all year, we’ve been a very consistent team. We’ve always been able to bounce back from losses the right way, make sure we get back to who we are and playing well. I think we’ve won 10 in a row coming into this event.”
Golden emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “Our guys are not going to be satisfied going home Saturday night. I think going in, the mentality is that — obviously it will be a great season regardless, but if we lose on Saturday, we’ll have a bad taste in our mouths.” He pointed to the senior leadership on his team, with players like Walter Clayton, Will Richard, and Alijah Martin driving the competitive spirit. “Our young guys in the front-court play so stinking hard, they’ll do whatever they need to do to keep us alive. I point to the collective unity of this group as the main reason as to why we deserve to, and we’ll do what we need on Saturday night to stay here.”
Golden’s squad has shown resilience under pressure this season, and their relaxed demeanor heading into the game against Auburn is a testament to their preparation. “The two things I point to is our team’s maturity and our belief,” he added. “We’ve had a great season. We won 34 games. You don’t do that by accident. I think our guys understand and know that when we’re at our best, we are one of, if not the best team in college basketball.”
Florida enters the game with a record of 34-4, having finished second in the SEC behind Auburn. They won the SEC Tournament by defeating Tennessee 86-77 and have made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, taking down No. 16 Norfolk State, No. 8 UConn, No. 4 Maryland, and No. 3 Texas Tech to reach the Final Four.
The matchup on Saturday night is particularly significant as both teams are No. 1 seeds, with the winner advancing to the NCAA Championship game against either Duke or Houston. Golden's confidence in his team is evident, as he believes they have earned their place in this prestigious event. “Our guys have put in the work. We didn’t make it here by accident. We earned the opportunity to be here and to compete. Our guys enjoy doing that on a nightly basis. I think they understand what’s at stake, but at the same time they want to enjoy being here and enjoy the fruits of the labor that we’ve had all year.”
The game against Auburn will tip-off at 6:09 p.m. ET inside the Alamodome, and the excitement surrounding this clash is palpable. As the Gators prepare to face a familiar opponent, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
Golden’s journey to this point has also placed him among the youngest coaches to reach the Final Four. At 39 years old, he joins Duke’s Jon Scheyer, who is 37, in a select group of coaches who have achieved this milestone before turning 40. Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1984-85, only 13 coaches under the age of 40 have made it to the Final Four, with Golden and Scheyer being the latest additions to this elite club.
Golden’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the recent wave of retirements among college basketball’s most storied coaches, including Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams. Their departures have left a significant void in the sport, and the emergence of younger coaches like Golden and Scheyer signals a new era in college basketball.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how Golden’s leadership will shape the future of the Gators. With a solid foundation built on teamwork and resilience, Florida has positioned itself as a formidable force in the NCAA landscape.
Saturday night’s game is not just another match; it’s a chance for Florida to solidify its place among the elite in college basketball. With Golden at the helm, the Gators are not only looking to win but to make a lasting impact on the tournament and the sport as a whole. The anticipation is building, and as the clock counts down to tip-off, the Gators are ready to seize the moment.
