Pivotal Player: Donnell Harvey
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com
Remember the kid who was always bigger and
stronger than everyone else when you were little? Florida's Donnell Harvey was that player.
|  | | Donnell Harvey is capable of monster dunks, like this one against Oklahoma State. |
He was the high school player of the year, but largely because he
could dunk over everyone. But now that he's in college, he's not sure how to use his strength.
Harvey has to harness his ability and stay true to his limitations.
That means rebounding, finishing on putbacks and bodying up players like Andre Hutson and A.J. Granger without getting into foul trouble.
As that sort of whirling dervish on both backboards, he can take over a game. Nothing's more discouraging than getting beaten on hustle plays every loose ball.
What Harvey can't afford to do is try to be selfish and score. If he
concentrates on getting the loose balls and making sure he gets to the
free throw line, then the Gators have a chance to be more effective inside.
He's not skilled enough yet to be a go-to player in the post.
Harvey was a part-time starter this season, averaging 10.2 points
and 7 rebounds. Those numbers are fine on a Florida team that has defined
roles. Harvey's mission in the Final Four is to run the break, be the last
defense on the press and make sure he grabs the errant rebounds.
The 6-8, 216-pound freshman has the sculpted frame to look like he's
a big-time talent. But he's still a monster athlete trying to develop into a
basketball player. If he keeps that in perspective, he'll be more effective
in the Final Four.
Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.
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