Gators center Handlogten cleared but status ‘fluid’
Jan 25, 2025, 06:58 PM ET GAINESVILLE, Fla.– Florida center Micah Handlogten, who broke his left leg in the Southeastern Championship game last March, is considering playing this season.Handlogten decided
previously this week to pass up a redshirt and return to the court starting Saturday against competing Georgia. However the 7-foot-1 junior altered his mind late Friday and watched in street clothes as the fifth-ranked Gators controlled the Bulldogs 89-59. Coach Todd Golden stated Handlogten has been cleared and
will have the last word in whether he plays this season or waits for the next one.” I think it’s going to be fluid,”Golden said after Florida’s 12th consecutive win in the SEC series.” Since this minute, I would say he’s most likely out. But he might get up tomorrow and call me and state,’Hey, male, that looked fun. Maybe let’s get out there next Saturday. ‘”But, once again, we’re going to let him produce his own timeline for returning, whether that’s next week or next year. It’s truly going to be up to him.”Editor’s Picks 1 Related Handlogten started taking part in team activities in December and can routinely be discovered soaking
in pregame
warmups. He would offer a boost for an inexperienced frontcourt that has been pushed around sometimes, although forwards Alex Condon(14 points, eight rebounds, four assists)and Thomas Haugh( 13 points and 11 boards )were plenty good against Georgia.Handlogten, though, has an unique ability in the post.The North Carolina native totaled 419 points, 544 rebounds and 104 obstructed shots in two collegiate seasons, one at Marshall and one at Florida.
His 108 offensive rebounds last season were the 2nd most in school history.Handlogten balanced 5.9 points and 6.3 rebounds with the Gators in 2023-24 before his season ended suddenly in the SEC tournament.He landed awkwardly on his left foot while choosing a rebound against
Auburn. He right away was up to the court in discomfort and rolled onto his side, putting his hands to his face.
Handlogten’s moms and dads were escorted onto the court to be by his side. Handlogten’s leg was supported in an air cast before he was put on a backboard and removed the court on a stretcher.He had a rod and two screws inserted into his leg at close-by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, but he still rejoined the team for the NCAA tournament in Indianapolis a few days later. The Gators lost to Colorado
in the opening round with Handlogten enjoying from behind the bench.He has actually been a 7-foot cheerleader through 20 games this season, often leading the bench in arranged events and pregame pageantry.His return would allow him to play along with buddies and seniors Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard. More significantly, it would leave Florida pressing all in on trying to win a championship with its talented and deep lineup.
“It’s an extremely emotional choice,”Golden stated.”I can comprehend why someone in his shoes might have second thoughts. I believe he had type of got himself to the point where he’s ready. He actually had a fantastic practice [Friday]
. And as he continued to consider it, he simply had some second thoughts.”The bottom line with a circumstance like that is you need to be all the method in if you’re going to come back. … I believe he was truly excited about the idea of playing and after that once it ended up being genuine, I believe he simply had some more thoughts about it.”