Gators in the NBA
by Ryan Randall
With the NBA season underway, there are nine former Gators currently in the league. Throughout the year we will take a weekly look at the active UF alums, as well as former Gators participating in overseas competition, such as guard Nick Calathes. Here is a look of the current Gators in the NBA:
Matt Bonner
Bonner is currently inactive with a broken hand that was suffered late December, but did average 7.4 points per game and 18.4 minutes per game in the four games he played. The injury is expected to sideline the six-year pro for 3-4 weeks, so Bonner should be back by February.
Corey Brewer
Midway into the season, Corey Brewer has had a breakout season, starting all 47 games and averaging 13.3 points, a career high. Brewer has had some memorable games this season; in Jan. 11 contest against the Denver Nuggets, the small forward scored 18 of his 25 points in the second quarter. The next game, the Timberwolves faced the Rockets, where Brewer hit a midcourt shot to put the game into overtime. Despite losing the game in triple OT, the three-year pro had 14 points and five assists.
Udonis Haslem
Udonis Haslem has shown his ability as a tough rebounder, as well as a moderate scorer during his six years with the Miami Heat. This year Haslem is playing a reserve role but still is averaging 10 points per game as well as 7.2 rebounds per game, five of those on the defensive end. Though the Heat have alternated wins and losses through the greater part of this season, Haslem’s game has remained consistent.
Al Horford
The third-year power forward has continued to improve this season, averaging 13.6 ppg, up from the 11.5 he averaged last year. Horford also continues to average around nine rebounds a game, highest on the team. Horford has had five double-doubles this month, including a 19-rebound game in a New Years Day loss against the Knicks.
David Lee
David Lee has been one of the few bright spots on an 18-26 New York Knicks team that lost by 50 points against the Mavericks on Sunday. The power forward is averaging 19.4 ppg., while picking up 11.4 rpg., and scored a game-high 28 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Mike Miller
It has been a difficult year for the Washington Wizards, who had playoff aspirations for the season. Miller, in his first year with the Wizards, is averaging 9.1 ppg, a career low, and has been battling a calf injury after “popping” his calf on Saturday. The small forward could be out 4-5 weeks.
Joakim Noah
Another former Gator battling an injury is Joakim Noah. Despite a foot injury, the Bulls’ power forward/center had 13 points and 11 rebounds in a 96-86 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Noah’s numbers have hit career highs, as the three-year player is averaging 11.3 ppg and 12.1 rpg. His play has also earned him all-star reserve considerations by some.
Marreese Speights
This year, Marreese Speights has shown glimpses of what he could be in the future, such as his career-high 28 points in a Dec. 19 loss against the Clippers. He also has shown that he could be a solid defender, making three blocks in a Jan. 22 victory over the Mavericks. His ability to hit the occasional outside shot is something that will also help the second-year player has he progresses in his NBA career.
Jason Williams
Jason Williams has been a great addition for the Orlando Magic this season, providing stability at the point guard spot, as Jameer Nelson has missed some games with a shoulder injury. Nov. 25, Williams had a season-high 25 points in a 99-98 loss to the Heat. Despite only averaging seven points a game, the point guard’s speed and passing ability has allowed for some exciting plays this season.



Ryan,
Really appreciate the updates. It would help to have the team they play for next to their name, so those of us who only keep one eye on the NBA would know who they play for. Thanks again.
Eli
by Eli Edwards
Thanks Eli for the input. I will keep that in mind for this week’s post.
by Ryan Randall