“Feeling good,” Fland said as he left the court. “Oh yeah.”
Green, an assistant coach and director of player development for Florida, smiled approvingly. “He’s getting there,” he noted.
“There” refers to health—the immediate goal. While Fland’s talent is unquestionable, the focus for the 6-foot-2, 184-pound combo guard this season is to finally feel whole following previous injuries. Fland, who recently turned 19, transferred to UF from Arkansas, where he had begun his promising collegiate career but faced setbacks from injuries.
Fland entered Arkansas dealing with a hernia, opting to play through it—an impressive feat given his reliance on explosive movement. Later in the season, a thumb injury sidelined him for half of the games. He returned in the NCAA Tournament but had a lackluster performance, finishing 12 points over three games.
Now, Fland is gearing up for a fresh start, having undergone hernia surgery seven weeks ago and returning to workouts. He’s been working diligently in the weight room, trying to add muscle, aiming for a return to peak performance. “I’ve always played through injuries, but this season, I want to start healthy and stay that way,” he said. “I’m fully invested in what we’re doing here.”
Head coach Todd Golden is excited about Fland’s potential, likening him to promising NBA talents. With significant gaps to fill after the departure of key players, Fland’s addition brings fresh optimism for the Gators. He stands out as a notable talent, being the first former McDonald’s All-American to join Florida since 2019.
Fland’s early life influenced his personality and style on the court—he garnered the nickname “Boogie” for his energetic dancing as a toddler. A standout player in high school, he originally committed to Kentucky before switching to Arkansas when the coaching staff changed. Now at Florida, he’s expected to form a dynamic backcourt when paired with fellow talented guard Xaivian Lee.
Eager to make an impact, Fland embraces the high expectations at Florida, noting that the pressure is part of the game. “This standard comes with the territory, and I am ready to rise to the challenge,” he affirmed.
