Florida Basketball Teams Get Big-Time Stage Cred

The Jumpman Invitational showcases the best of college basketball on and off the court.

By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com

CHARLOTTE -- The City of Charlotte rolled out the red carpet for four of college athletics' most prominent programs again -- Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, and Oklahoma. All are synonymous with success that has led to a strong relationship with the Jordan Brand as the four original “Jumpman” schools , the men’s and women’s basketball programs which have participated in the Jumpman Invitational.

which has become one of the premier events in college basketball.

Downtown Charlotte was decorated with banners and signage highlighting Jordan Brand and the four schools while players are gifted with exclusive Jordan Brand apparel designed specifically for the event.

Jordan executives and prominent members of the community were present, making certain the event was first class in every way. 

The format randomly pairs the men’s and women’s basketball teams from each program. In 2023, the inaugural year, the Gators faced the Oklahoma Sooners while the North Carolina Tar Heels faced the Michigan Wolverines. For the 2023 event Florida would meet the Michigan men and women while North Carolina would be matched against Oklahoma. No matter the matchups , the event has become a premier opportunity for all four programs to put their relationship with the Jordan Brand on full display and allow showcasing the most notable athletic shoe and apparel brand in the sports world.

For the Gators, participation in such an event was another opportunity to draw attention to two of college basketball’s most impressive rebuilds. Men’s basketball coach Todd Golden, in his second season, is already drawing comparisons to legendary coach Billy Donovan for his approach to building and leading his team. Florida women's coach Kelly Rae Finley is heading towards a historic third straight postseason appearance and has assembled one of the best rosters in school history. With both programs showcased as part of this event it can only broaden the appeal of both programs. 

The Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, NC (GatorBait photo)

Tuesday night the Florida men played the most entertaining game of the invitational against the Michigan, coached by former NBA veteran Juwan Howard. The Gators were able to overcome a nine-point deficit in the second half as Zion Pullen hit a late three to send the game into double overtime, leading the Gators to the 106-101 victory.

Speaking of the hard-fought win, Golden stated, "This should give us a lot of confidence as we move forward and continue to get into the season [that] when we play tough, highly contested games against really good clubs we can find a way to win. I'm just really happy and excited for our team."

Wednesday evening would be the women’s time to shine and in one of the biggest wins of the Kelly Rae Finley era as Florida dominated Michigan to complete the sweep,82-65. From the shoot-around earlier in the day the Gators were dialed in and focused on the task at hand. “It’s not about them it’s about us," guard Zippy Broughton said. “We gotta stop them from putting it in the hole." The Gators shot 57 percent from floor and 53 percent from behind the arc to complete one of their best shooting nights of the season.

Senior guard Aliyah Matharu led the Gators with 27 points, including 5 of 9 from three point range. Alberte Rimdal was the team's

third leading scorer with 13 points and Leilani Correa added 16 off the bench. 

"We really challenged our team to be who we are for 40 minutes and that’s exactly what we did tonight,” said Finley.

This was the second consecutive win for the team after two tough road losses earlier this month. “The win is a testament to the work the team continues to put in despite the setbacks,” stated Finley.

“I think it’s just a testament to what we do and how we are coached.," Matharu added. “It’s all about coming together and being confident in one another."

Kelly Rae Finley, Leilani Correa, Aliyah Matharu and the niece of former Gator Keke Smith (GatorBait photo)

When asked about what the Jumpman Invitational means to her program, Finley, whose Jordan collection has garnered national attention, was more than complimentary to the people that organize the event. “I think is the premier event in the country at this time.”

“Jordan Brand does an exceptional job of celebrating our student-athletes”, Correa said in echoing her coach’s sentiment. They go out of their way to treat us like superstars.. I’ve never experienced anything like it and I’m so blessed and so fortunate to be a part of it.”

#kellyskicks Jordan 1 Mid (UAA photo)

The Florida men returned home Wednesday evening to prepare to host Grambling Friday afternoon at the O’Connell Center, while the women will spend Christmas with family and friends and return home to play Winthrop Dec. 30 after more than 40 days away from home.