The Front 9 comes at you after an interesting weekend that included rain, golf, more rain, softball, baseball, more golf and even some hoops news.

1. Well, it was expected and yet there were some nerves when Rueben Chinyelu played really well at the NBA Combine and was expected to be a first-round pick. But thanks to the boosters who have changed the dynamics in a college sports world none of us recognize any more, he’s back. Chinny is the heart of this Gator team and Thomas Haugh is the soul. I don’t want to go all Steve Sarkisian on anybody, but the Florida second-teamers may be able to beat your first team.

2. That was an intense and somewhat controversial way for Florida softball to end its season. I’ve covered slow-pitch games that weren’t 7-7 after two innings, but I will say that somehow the umpires in college softball have made the strike zone the size of a Mason jar lid. But at the end of the day, Florida just didn’t play well enough (fielding or pitching) to beat an elite team in Texas Tech. And please never celebrate again the basketball career of a guy who played 20 games at UF before getting booted.

3. FOMO Game of the Week

Although the Selection Show is not until Monday at noon, we know the Gators are hosting an NCAA baseball regional at beautiful Condron Family Ballpark, home of the $16 beers. Times of games are still to come, but this is a team that has been peaking at the right time and it would be nice to see The Con rocking for once.

4. Four questions with new UF women’s basketball coach Tammi Reiss

1. Is there anything about Gainesville and UF that has been surprising so far?
   Reiss: Number one … the love bugs. Bugs in general, but the love bugs. I had no idea that they were this heavy at certain times of the year, so that shocked me. And then number two, probably that you have I-75, but you hardly ever use it. Everything is back roads in Gainesville. Which is kind of a blessing and a curse, because you can get anywhere in 20 to 30 minutes, but it takes 20 or 30 minutes to get anywhere.
2. How difficult is it to build a brand-new roster basically from scratch?
   Reiss: Building a brand-new roster in and of itself isn’t easy, but it is more difficult because there are other variables. It isn’t just about players leaving and trying to bring new players in. You’re trying to fight history, not being successful in a Power 4. You’re trying to fight the reputation of other SEC schools that are recruiting the same kids that you’re recruiting. And for me, personally, another challenge was getting around that stigma of being a head coach for the first time in a power league coming from a mid-major. So, it’s trying to fight those other variables besides just building a roster and NIL, portal, but I’ve got a great staff, and we got it done. Sometimes you’ve got to put your head down, and you’ve got to work, and that’s what I was brought in to do. Even though you have variables, you have to find a way, and that’s what we did. It was as enjoyable as it was challenging to build something from your vision and start anew. 
3. What are your thoughts about the NCAA Women’s Tourney going to 76 teams?
   Reiss: I don’t know why we’re changing so many things that have been so historic for so long that don’t have to do with the welfare of the student-athlete. Expanding a tournament that is supposed to be special. I also didn’t think having 12 postseason tournaments and over 200 teams playing in the postseason out of 300-plus should have been happening. Playing in the postseason is a reward. You shouldn’t be able to go into any tournament with a losing record. I believe you have to earn it. [Increasing to] 68 from 64 was one thing. The play-in games were one thing. You earned the right to go to postseason. Now you’re just adding to add, probably for the money. Teach our student-athletes how to earn it. Reward the best of the best.
4. Have you ever seen a football game in the Swamp or will this year be your first?
   Reiss: I went to the spring game and couldn’t believe The Swamp, so I can’t wait. This fall will be my first official football game at The Swamp. I can’t wait to go to a night game. I’m really excited to go and support Jon and his team and get that atmosphere of real college football. I have not been to a Power 4 football game in a really long time, so I’m excited.

5. Five SEC teams UF does not play in 2026 that are fascinating

• LSU: Year One of Lane Kiffin will be a doozy.
• Tennessee: I don’t think anyone knows what the Vols will be.
• Alabama: Could we see an SEC title game without the Tide?
• Texas A&M: Mike Elko has it rolling in College Station.
• Arkansas: It has been a while since the Hogs have been relevant.

6. This will happen this week

It will be the Knicks vs. the Thunder for the NBA title and there will be a mix of talking heads in terms of whom they pick, which is good for the sport. Then, they will overreact after the first game.

7. Hot take of the week

The state of Florida now has the “Bridgewater Act” which allows coaches to provide necessary funds to players who need a meal or a ride. This happened because Teddy Bridgewater was giving players money for necessities and got in trouble for it. The thing is, not that many high school coaches have ANY money to throw around. So, the new trend will be for Florida high schools to either booster-up financially (now permitted as well) or hire other former NFL players who have that kind of cash.  

8. Tweet of the week

This one comes from the great Dick Vitale: “The Florida Gators are going to be loaded for the 2026-27 hoops season. Yes, Todd Golden must feel excited when he looks at his roster.” I’m guessing he does.

9. Remote drop of the week

I never saw it in the theater, but “The Martian” is in the running to be in my top 5 of all time. Funny, suspenseful, incredible special effects, great cast led by Matt Damon, but mostly it’s the script. As you know, it’s always about the writing.