Defending champion and No. 3-ranked Florida will feel like it is right back in the NCAA Tournament when the Gators open their season Monday against No. 13 against Arizona at Las Vegas.
Florida brings a 12-game winning streak into the matchup, including the last six of those during a March Madness run that culminated with victories over a pair of No. 1 seeds in Auburn in the national semifinals and Houston. The victory over the Cougars secured the Gators' third title in school history.
The Gators lost three players to the NBA in Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard, while the returning big men include the 6-foot-9 Thomas Haugh, 6-11 Alex Condon and 6-10 Rueben Chinyelu all are set to start.
A pair of transfers are expected to fill out the backcourt in Arkansas' Boogie Fland

 Deadspin
 Deadspin

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