The Florida Gators men’s basketball team is still dancing in April, and now they’re just one win away from claiming a national championship. In a thrilling Final Four showdown, Florida outlasted Auburn in San Antonio, securing a trip to Monday night’s title game. It’s the program’s first national championship appearance since 2007 — and head coach Todd Golden couldn’t be prouder.
“We’re alive, man,” Golden said at the postgame press conference. “We’re playing for this national championship on Monday night.”
The win didn’t come easy. Florida had to claw back after a tough first half, relying on grit, fundamentals, and team-first basketball. Golden emphasized the message at halftime was simple: get back to what they do best.
“The main message at halftime was we have to get back to doing what we do,” he said. That meant defending with intensity, rebounding with purpose, and taking care of the basketball — a trifecta that has become Florida’s formula for success throughout the tournament.
Alex Condon, one of the Gators’ emotional leaders, admitted that the locker room message was a bit more direct — and maybe a bit more colorful — than what Golden shared with the media. But the response on the court spoke volumes. Florida went on a decisive second-half run, fueled by selfless play and key contributions from the entire roster.
“A guy like Walt gets all the attention for a game like tonight, and rightfully so,” Golden said. “But there’s no ego on this team. These guys just want to win a championship.”
The camaraderie among players has been a hallmark of this run. Whether it’s starters or bench players, everyone is dialed in and celebrating each other’s success.
On a day that also saw Florida legend Billy Donovan inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Golden acknowledged the legacy he’s building on.
“He raised the bar pretty high at Florida,” Golden said. “We’re trying to meet that standard.”
Now, with one more game left, the Gators have a chance to bring another banner back to Gainesville. Tip-off is set for 8:50 PM on Monday — and Florida is ready.
