GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Micah Handlogten, the center for the Florida Gators, is weighing his options for the upcoming basketball season after suffering a severe leg injury during last March’s Southeastern Conference championship game. Earlier this week, the 7-foot-1 junior had decided to bypass a redshirt and was set to start competing again against rival Georgia. However, he opted to watch the game in civilian attire as the fifth-ranked Gators secured an impressive 89-59 victory over the Bulldogs.
Coach Todd Golden confirmed that Handlogten has received medical clearance to play, but the decision is ultimately in his hands regarding whether he chooses to participate this season or waits until next year. “I think it’s going to be fluid,” Golden noted following the game, which marked Florida’s twelfth consecutive win in the SEC series. “At this moment, I would say he’s probably out. But he could wake up tomorrow and decide he wants to join us next Saturday.”
Handlogten has been involved in team practices since December and often showcases his skills by dunking during pregame warmups. His return could significantly enhance an inexperienced frontcourt that has occasionally struggled, though forwards Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh performed admirably against Georgia with a combined total of 27 points and 19 rebounds. Handlogten, however, brings a distinctive skill set that sets him apart in the post.
During his two years in college basketball, one at Marshall and one at Florida, Handlogten totaled 419 points, 544 rebounds, and recorded 104 blocked shots. Last season, he achieved the second-most offensive rebounds in school history, totaling 108. Before his injury prematurely ended his season during the SEC Tournament, he averaged 5.9 points and 6.3 rebounds with the Gators.
The injury occurred when Handlogten landed awkwardly while attempting to secure a rebound during a game against Auburn. In extreme pain, he fell to the floor and had to be attended to by his parents, who were allowed onto the court. Following stabilization in an air cast, he was taken off the court via stretcher. He underwent surgery that included the insertion of a rod and two screws into his leg at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Remarkably, he was able to rejoin the team shortly after for the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis, although he watched from the sidelines as the Gators lost to Colorado in the opening round.
Throughout this season, Handlogten has acted as a supportive presence on the bench, often engaging in celebrations and team spirit activities. His potential return would allow him to play alongside his close friends, seniors Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, and bolster Florida’s efforts to contend for a championship with their talented roster.
“It’s a very emotional decision,” Golden explained. “I can appreciate why someone in his position might feel uncertain. He worked hard to reach a point where he felt ready. He actually had an excellent practice on Friday, but as he reflected on it, he started to have some reservations.”
“The key to a situation like this is being fully committed if you’re going to come back. I think he was genuinely excited about the idea of playing, but once it became a reality, he had some second thoughts.”
