BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – University of Florida women’s basketball guard Lavender Briggs<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D13671&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=chZXrUXfKzbcsXdcdbQVIuLeQvDHGLpj0h9uwf7RmQc&s=Wi5HXJkN2ux-TAbQ-7ytboX9kmPQdQdgBDEBdm_nJn8&e= > has been tabbed a Preseason All-SEC Second Team member, as the league announced the coaches poll and preseason awards Tuesday.
After one of the finest freshman campaigns in program history, Briggs is poised for another strong season in 2020-21. The Utah native averaged a team-best 15.0 points per game and was remarkably consistent, tallying at least 10 points in 26 of her 29 games played in 2019-20.
“We are very proud and appreciative of Lav’s recognition as one of the league’s top players. She has worked diligently to improve her game in becoming the best player she can be. Her enthusiasm and passion for the game is infectious. She will continue to impact our program in a number positive ways,” said head coach Cam Newbauer<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_coaches.aspx-3Frc-3D1167&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=chZXrUXfKzbcsXdcdbQVIuLeQvDHGLpj0h9uwf7RmQc&s=MhRbxVY1r1gedvJxIfTCyBjG721ncbPsQM2WXwkGBm8&e= >. “We are excited for our season to begin next week in the O’Dome.”
Briggs becomes the first Gator to garner Preseason All-SEC honors since Ronni Williams and Eleanna Christinaki in 2016.
The five-star recruit, carried the highest points per game average by a UF freshman since the 1991-92 season when the team’s eventual all-time leading scorer Merlakia Jones averaged 15.1.
Briggs led the SEC in minutes played at 34.7, becoming the first rookie to do so in over 20 years and the 6-foot-1 guard racked up seven double-doubles while leading the club in scoring.
Briggs was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, becoming the 22nd player in program history to garner the accolade and the first Gator to collect an SEC postseason honor since the 2016-17 season.
The Gators begin their 2020-21 slate next Wednesday, Nov. 25 when they host Grambling State. Click here for the full schedule. <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_sports_womens-2Dbasketball_schedule&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=chZXrUXfKzbcsXdcdbQVIuLeQvDHGLpj0h9uwf7RmQc&s=PoSwRlctxs5BHnD89XCbvC0GeR5M0P91XEAYmNkMWek&e= >
Click here for ticket information<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_sports_2015_12_10_-5Ftickets-5Fbasketball-5Fwomen-5F.aspx&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=chZXrUXfKzbcsXdcdbQVIuLeQvDHGLpj0h9uwf7RmQc&s=TB8GbJ1GhW3tbIm5xJfr1nNn7OOE4oXHGFxwCw2S10Q&e= >
Florida, which netted a seven-win improvement last season and finished with its best record in four years, returns four starters and seven players overall while welcoming six newcomers.
The Gators were selected to finish 12th in the preseason poll while South Carolina was pegged as the preseason favorite. Kentucky standout Rhyne Howard earned Preseason Player of the Year honors.
Order of Finish
1. South Carolina
2. Kentucky
3. Texas A&M
4. Arkansas
5. Mississippi State
6. Tennessee
7. LSU
8. Alabama
9. Georgia
10. Missouri
11. Ole Miss
12. Florida
13. Vanderbilt
14. Auburn
Player of the Year
Rhyne Howard, Kentucky
First Team All-SEC
Chelsea Dungee, Arkansas
Unique Thompson, Auburn
Rhyne Howard, Kentucky
Khayla Pointer, LSU
Rickea Jackson, Mississippi State
Aliyah Boston, South Carolina
Rennia Davis, Tennessee
N’dea Jones, Texas A&M
Second Team All-SEC
Jasmine Walker, Alabama
Destiny Slocumb, Arkansas
Shakira Austin, Ole Miss
Jessika Carter, Mississippi State
Aijha Blackwell, Missouri
Zia Cooke, South Carolina
Kayla Wells, Texas A&M
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