Florida’s Micah Handlogten, a center standing at 7-feet-1, is making a comeback after sustaining a severe leg injury during the Southeastern Conference championship game last March. Handlogten announced his decision to participate in the current season, starting with the game against South Carolina on Saturday. This addition comes at a crucial time for the third-ranked Gators (21-3, 8-3 Southeastern Conference), who are coping with the absence of key players, including starter Alex Condon, sidelined for one to two weeks due to a sprained right ankle, and backup Sam Alexis, who is dealing with a left ankle injury.

“I know it’s the right time for the team, and I feel prepared to contribute,” Handlogten expressed. He previously struggled with uncertainty but feels he’s overcome those challenges and is eager to play for the Gators. Having been cleared for competition over a month ago, Handlogten had previously hesitated about returning to the court, opting instead to postpone his comeback hours before an anticipated game against Georgia. “I had some doubts initially, but my confidence has grown during practice, and I’m ready to step up,” he added.

Handlogten resumed participating in team activities last December, frequently showcasing his skills with impressive dunks during warm-ups. His return will be vital for an inexperienced frontcourt that has faced difficulties throughout the season and is presently short-handed. Coach Todd Golden recognized the emotional toll of his recovery, explaining that while Handlogten progressed physically, the mental aspects took longer to overcome. “Micah’s a team player who is always focused on the group’s success. He sees this as an opportunity to make a significant impact as we advance,” Golden noted.

Handlogten boasts a distinctive skill set that greatly benefits the team. The North Carolina native compiled impressive statistics over two collegiate seasons, with a total of 419 points, 544 rebounds, and 104 blocks, having played one season at Marshall and one at Florida. Notably, his 108 offensive rebounds last season ranked second in the school’s history. In the current season, before his injury at the SEC Tournament, he averaged 5.9 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Gators.

The unfortunate injury occurred during a rebound attempt against Auburn, leading to an immediate fall and visible distress on the court, necessitating medical assistance. Following stabilization in an air cast, Handlogten was transported on a stretcher to a medical facility for surgery where a rod and screws were inserted in his leg. Remarkably, he rejoined the team in time to support them during the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis, although he had to watch as they were eliminated by Colorado from the sidelines.

For the current season, Handlogten has assumed a supportive role, enthusiastically cheering on his teammates from the bench and contributing to team morale. His return also means he can play alongside close friends and senior teammates Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, enhancing Florida’s championship aspirations given their deep talent pool.

“The encouraging thing is that he has been in good health and training for a significant period,” Golden said. “He’s not just stepping back into play without prior preparation. We’ll evaluate how he feels during the game, and based on that, he’ll receive ample playing time if he looks strong and energetic. However, we will monitor for any signs of fatigue.”