Living Up To The Potential: Patrick Young, Florida

        At first glance, Young looks more like an NBA veteran than a college sophomore. His 6'9", chiseled 245-pound frame creates more than enough NBA Draft buzz for this 4-point, 4-rebound per game player. With the graduation of three starters, all three in the frontcourt, Young will be a key guy in the lineup this season.

        Young admitted this offseason that sitting on the bench last season was frustrating; he was a consensus five-star recruit, but stuck behind three seniors. But this season, Young will have to become the low-post focus and he'll need to really maximize his physical gifts on the offensive end of the floor. He has a soft jump hook with either hand and a developing face-up game in the mid-range, but for a man of his size and strength, Young needs to get better positioning in the post, really bury his opponents to make scoring opportunities aplenty and often.

        Defensively, Young is a proven commodity- leading the team in blocked shots last season and his rebounding numbers will certainly rise along with his minutes. Over the summer, playing for Team USA in the FIBA U19 World Championships, Young finishing four in scoring (9.7 points) and second in rebounding (6.8 rebounds, including 28 on the offensive end).


By President Corey Ruff - 11 - 12- 11