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Tampa subregional
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 18, 2003
GAINESVILLE -- Florida forward Matt Bonner participated in part of practice on Monday and said he expects to be ready to play on Friday and Sunday, if necessary.
Bonner has plantar fascitis and a muscle injury in his right foot and had not practiced since after the March 4 game against Georgia.
Coach Billy Donovan said Sunday night he didn't expect Bonner to practice this week and was unsure if he would be able to play on one day's rest.
Bonner said he is excited to be playing in Tampa and plans to do everything he can to ensure his senior season ends on a good note.
"Once you step over the lines you don't have any excuses no matter where you will play," he said. "Once you step over those lines you have to go 100 percent."
BEARKAT BLUES: During the biggest week of his career, Bob Marlin is under the weather. In between preparations for his team's first-round NCAA Tournament game, the Sam Houston State coach spent part of Monday at the doctor's office with what doctors believe is a sinus infection.
"I'm trying to get well before we take off," he said. "I think part of it is just being tired and run down a little bit."
OUT OF SORTS: The Bearkats don't have the comfort of their gym for the first of two workouts before leaving for Tampa on Wednesday.
Because of maintenance work at Johnson Coliseum, practice was moved to the Health and Kinesiology Center. Marlin said he hoped for a cleaner practice.
"It wasn't our best practice, but the nice thing is we have three more days to get prepared," Marlin said. "We were happy to get the Friday game because that gives us the extra day of preparation. Today we just got off to a slow start. I think we have been patted on the back too much."
BRING ON PRIME TIME: At best, Florida won't take the court until 9:40 p.m. If the tournament's first evening game runs to overtime, Florida's tipoff might be later.
But Florida players said they aren't bothered by the late starting time.
"Actually, a lot of guys look forward to playing in that prime-time kind of atmosphere," senior guard Justin Hamilton said. "I think it just makes it a lot more exciting, playing late."
The Gators played several games on ESPN this season with 9 p.m. tipoffs. Sophomore center David Lee said the late start will be beneficial because he doesn't sleep well before a game.
"I actually prefer that rather than playing early because you get a good night's sleep and a chance to nap during the afternoon," Lee said. "I like that we have the whole day to rest."
MISSING BEARKAT: Senior guard Eddy Barlow did not practice. He was involved in a minor car accident Sunday and was still sore.
-- Jason Barfield of the Huntsville Item contributed to this report.