Florida basketball wasted no time showing why it deserved all of the offseason recognition.
Following a 77-67 victory over No. 14 Miami in Monday's season opener, Florida maintained its No. 1 ranking in CBS Sports' latest Top 25 and 1 college basketball rankings.
The Gators returned to the same building where their season ended, with higher expectations after bringing back several key contributors from last season's squad. Despite facing a top-15 opponent in their first contest, Todd Golden's team delivered a 10-point victory to open the season on a positive note.
Fourth-year forward Thomas Haugh led the charge, recording 19 points and 10 rebounds in the win over the Hurricanes, recording the sixth double-double of his career.
Haugh's performance
was encouraging, given his decision to return to Gainesville for another season rather than enter the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9-inch forward remains one of the most valuable players in the country, bringing experience, versatility, and production to arguably the nation's most talented roster.
Haugh was also helped by contributions from Boogie Fland and Alex Codon, who recorded 12 and 11 points, respectively. Reigning defensive player of the year Rueben Chinyelu contributed on the glass with 14 rebounds.
CBS Sports made no changes to Florida's standing following opening night, keeping the Gators ahead of the rest of the field in its early-season rankings.
While the season is just beginning, Florida's opening-night victory gave fans another reason to be optimistic as the program looks to capture its second national championship in three seasons.
The Gators now turn their attention to Jacksonville, which visits Gainesville Thursday for Florida's second game of the season.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida remains No. 1 in CBS Sports' Top 25 And 1 rankings
