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BRIAN SHAFFERUF freshman Taurean Green sets a scoring tone his first-year 'mates finish in a 90-45 rout.
GAINESVILLE - With his father on the opposing sideline, Florida freshman Taurean Green experienced the best night of his young Gators career. And by doing so, he highlighted a night that featured a possible sign of things to come for five Gator freshmen.
Florida Atlantic coach Sidney Green said throughout the week that his son knew of only one way to play - all out - and he did not expect that to change simply because Dad was leading the opponent. Taurean Green may have used it as motivation as he posted 8 points and 8 assists in the Gators 90-45 victory Tuesday night in the O'Connell Center.
"It felt like a regular game," Green said. "I tried to go out there and do whatever it took for my team to win and everything worked out well."
Before the game, the Greens met on the floor and embraced in a hug. A simple "I love you" from father to son was all that was said. It was all that needed to be said, because for the next 40 minutes, the two were as good as strangers.
"He was doing what he was supposed to be doing. He was raised that way," Sidney said. "He took no pity, none. I told him before the game that for those 40 minutes, yes of course he is my son, but I didn't know him."
Green got out to a quick start with all eight of his points, seven assists and a steal in the opening half while leading the Gators through the Owls' press. Florida took a 45-19 lead into the locker room at halftime.
While Green stole the show in the first half, his fellow freshmen took advantage of playing time in the second half and put on an impressive show for the 8,589 fans in attendance.
Joakim Noah, who has been battling mononucleosis for almost a month, played sparingly in the first half, but was the star of the final minutes of the game.
Despite playing only 10 minutes, Noah came within one rebound of his first career double-double. He finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block. All 11 points and eight of his nine rebounds came after the half.
Another freshman, forward Al Horford, made an impact on both ends of the floor, finishing with four points, three rebounds and two blocks. Noah and Horford teamed up on one Owls possession to combine for three consecutive blocks. The end result was an outlet pass by Horford and a Noah layup on the other end.
"Al is my guy," Noah said. "That is my dude. That is my ride or die right there and my roommate, too. I just have to give a lot of love to Al. He is a great player and I am really looking forward to playing the next four years with him."
Matt Walsh led all scorers with 21 points while David Lee chipped in with 11. Junior guard Anthony Roberson struggled from the field, connecting on one of seven shots and finishing with two points.
In the end, the game was a freshman showcase. And if they have it their way, coach Billy Donovan will give them more opportunities to grow together on the court at the same time.
"We all came in together and live together," said freshman Cory Brewer, who finished with seven points, three assists and two steals in 21 minutes of play. "We always talk about when we get on the court, we have to bring a lot of energy and have that swagger.
"We can't be nervous because we are in college now. It's time to play."