TIDBITS | Nov. 20

	Nelson

I was very impressed with Florida's performance on Tuesday night. The Gators beat a solid Louisiana Tech team 76-55 in the first round of the Preseason NIT.

Coach Billy Donovan said he didn't think his team should be ranked going into the season. Are you kidding me? Florida was outstanding against the Bulldogs, who will win 20 games this season, in my opinion.

The Gators won easily and they were shorthanded. Not only were Brett Nelson and Christian Drejer out, but so was Bonell Colas, a forward expected to see some playing time this season. Wait until Donovan has his whole team together. Trust me, this Florida squad will be in contention for a trip to New Orleans for the Final Four, baby!

Cincinnati Loves Adding Transfers
I used to call Jerry Tarkanian the Father Flanagan of coaching. If a kid had a problem, Tark would try to give him a second chance. Usually, those players would produce because their backs were against the wall.

Now Cincinnati is picking up transfers. Remember Brandon Bender, who was supposed to go to Louisville? He's now a Bearcat. Don't count him out -- he could be a productive player under Huggy Bear, coach Bob Huggins.

Now word is former Florida forward James White may land at Cincinnati too. White is an explosive athlete who can flat-out jump.

Injuries Still A Problem
Check out these early injuries, baby...

UCLA forward Jason Kapono sat out the Bruins' exhibition game earlier this week due to a sprained right thumb.

Villanova guard Gary Buchanan will be out the next two weeks due to a knee injury.

Indiana guard Tom Coverdale has been bothered by back problems.

Memphis diaper-dandy guard Jeremy Hunt, who looked good against Syracuse at the AT&T Wireless Classic, will be out four to six weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot.

Arizona State freshman Serge Angounou will miss the season after suffering an injury to his right knee in a recent exhibition game. Angounou had surgery to repair injured cartilage and bone chips behind the kneecap. He is expected to have a complete recovery.

California senior guard Donte Smith will be out until Pac-10 play begins in January. He had surgery on his quadriceps.

South Carolina senior forward Tony Kitchings has been bothered by a high ankle sprain.

Baylor forward Lawrence Roberts will be out until early December due to a stress fracture in his left leg.