In Gainesville, Florida, center Micah Handlogten of the University of Florida is considering a few thoughtful gifts to bring to the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Whether it’s thank-you cards, flowers, or candy, he’s eager to express his gratitude to everyone who came to his aid after he suffered a serious injury, a broken left leg, during last year’s tournament finale.
Now fully healed, Handlogten is back in action with the fourth-ranked Florida Gators and is returning to Nashville, Tennessee’s Bridgestone Arena for the first time since he was carried off on a stretcher. “I’m trying not to dwell on it too much,” Handlogten remarked. “Returning is going to be emotional initially, but my main focus is on winning games.”
Florida, boasting a formidable 27-4 overall record and a 14-4 mark in the SEC, enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed. They are set to face either Missouri, Mississippi State, or LSU on Friday. To secure a No. 1 seed in the forthcoming NCAA Tournament, the Gators likely need to claim at least one victory in the conference tournament. These stakes heighten the importance of their performance, especially for Handlogten.
During last year’s championship game against Auburn, Handlogten endured a devastating fall while attempting to grab a rebound just minutes in. He landed awkwardly on his left foot, causing him to collapse onto the court in immense pain, clutching his face. Coaches, trainers, and paramedics rushed to his side, covering his injured leg with a towel and stabilizing it with an air cast as his parents were escorted onto the court. He was then transported to the hospital.
Surgery followed shortly at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where a rod and two screws were inserted into his leg. Remarkably, Handlogten managed to make his way back to the team just in time for the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis, although from the sidelines, as the Gators were defeated by Colorado in the opening round.
“I had skilled surgeons and a supportive team,” he acknowledged, expressing his intent to visit the medical staff and emergency responders from the previous year. However, Handlogten emphasized his primary focus on winning games during his return, despite the memories this venue holds.
His road to recovery included an unexpected decision: after nine months of rehabilitation, which added 20 pounds of muscle, Handlogten opted to forgo a medical redshirt and rejoined his Florida teammates in February. With other teammates like Alex Condon and Sam Alexis benched due to injuries, Handlogten seized the opportunity to play alongside his team.
“We have a remarkable team,” said Handlogten. “I got caught up in the excitement of our potential to go all the way, and I wanted to stand by my teammates who supported me throughout my recovery. We’re aiming for the national championship, and we’re in a strong position to achieve that.”
In seven games since his return, Handlogten has contributed 39 rebounds, 17 points, 11 assists, seven steals, and six blocks, enhancing Florida’s front-court depth alongside Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, and Thomas Haugh.
“Handlogten provides immense value to the team,” stated Florida coach Todd Golden. “His ability to secure offensive rebounds and create second chances is vital. Having him back is a significant advantage for us, and it’s wonderful to see him enjoying success with the team.”
