Florida Center Micah Handlogten Returns Ahead of Key Matchup

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators junior center Micah Handlogten announced he will return for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, foregoing a medical redshirt after recovering from a compound fracture sustained in March during the SEC Tournament finals against Auburn.

Handlogten, standing at 7 feet 1 inch, surprised many by overcoming his injury quicker than expected. Initially considering participation in the game against Georgia on January 25, he ultimately decided he was ready to join the Gators after nearly two months of full-speed practices.

“It’s the time that the team needs me, and I’ve been ready to play,” Handlogten said. “I’ve had some hesitation in the past, but I’ve moved on past that, and I’m ready to get out there and hoop for the Gators.”

No. 3 Florida (21-3, 8-3 SEC) faces a challenge as forward Alex Condon will be unavailable for Saturday’s 8:30 p.m. game against South Carolina due to a sprained ankle, and forward Sam Alexis is out due to an undisclosed issue. Condon’s injury occurred just seconds into the recent game against Mississippi State.

“We dodged a bullet with it only being a low ankle sprain; no structural or bone damage,” said Florida basketball coach Todd Golden regarding Condon’s condition. “He has not sprained his ankle much in his life, so it’s a little more swollen and sore than your general ankle sprain. But he’s already putting more pressure on it and is walking better.”

Florida’s frontcourt will rely heavily on starting center Rueben Chinyelu, sophomore forward Thomas Haugh, and now Handlogten as they head into the contest against South Carolina (10-14, 0-11 SEC). Golden expressed optimism about Handlogten’s contribution.

“We’ll still have to figure some things out for tomorrow night, but obviously, Micah’s addition helps us out a lot,” Golden said. “Rueben, Tommy, and Micah will play the majority of minutes in the frontcourt.”

Last season, Handlogten started 32 of 33 games, averaging 5.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, with notable efficiency as he shot 64.4% from the field. His 108 offensive rebounds positioned him second all-time in Florida program history, while his 17.9% offensive rebounding rate ranked fourth nationally.

“Rebounding, offensively and defensively,” said Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen when discussing Handlogten’s impact. “Very good defender, blocking shots and getting putbacks. It will be great for us this year.”

Handlogten revealed that he gained 30 pounds of muscle during his rehabilitation, which has increased his confidence in his recovered leg. “It’s helped me grow and get mentally tough, just because you’re going to go through hardships in life,” Handlogten stated. “It’s about how you respond to them.”

If Handlogten had chosen to take a medical redshirt, he could have retained an extra year of eligibility. However, he opted to join the team in what he hopes will be a special season. “Once everyone’s back and healthy, I think that the sky’s the limit,” he said of the team’s potential. “I think we can win the national championship.”

Coach Golden noted that starting guard Alijah Martin remains questionable for Saturday’s game due to a hip pointer suffered against Vanderbilt, while Condon and Alexis have already been ruled out. Martin, who contributes an average of 15.4 points per game, has missed the last two contests.

“He said he’s feeling better this morning,” Golden shared. “But this deal has been a little tricky with his abdomen and tightness. We’ll see how practice looks (Friday).”

In Martin’s absence, junior guard Denzel Aberdeen has stepped up, averaging 14.3 points and 2.3 assists over the past three games.

The Gators will look to extend their winning streak to four games as they host South Carolina on Saturday night, aiming to capitalize on their home-court advantage at the O’Connell Center.