Florida Without Boogie Fland vs. Merrimack
The Gators' starting point guard sits out Friday's home game with a shoulder injury, with sophomore Alex Lloyd getting the start.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Basketball
Florida basketball will be without starting point guard Boogie Fland when the Gators host Merrimack on Friday, Nov. 13. Sophomore Alex Lloyd will start in Fland's place, a absence confirmed by a team spokesperson.
Why it matters
Fland has been a key contributor for Florida, averaging 10 points and three rebounds per game through three games. His absence shifts ball-handling duties at the point guard spot while the Gators continue their early-season schedule.
Fland has averaged 10 points and three rebounds per game through three games this season. Florida's most recent result was an 81-72 win over Florida State, where Fland sustained the shoulder injury that will keep him out Friday.
The players
Boogie Fland
Fland is Florida's starting point guard and a central figure in the Gators' early-season backcourt.
Alex Lloyd
Lloyd is a sophomore guard who will make his first start of the season in Fland's place.
The details
Fland was injured in the Gators' 81-72 win over Florida State and previously missed the exhibition game against Stetson due to an illness. Sophomore Alex Lloyd earns the start against Merrimack, while Fland is expected to be available for the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas next week.
Timeline
Earlier this week: Fland sustains a shoulder injury in the win over Florida State.
Friday, Nov. 13: Florida hosts Merrimack without Fland.
Next week: Fland is expected to return for the Las Vegas Players Era Tournament.
Season Trajectory
Florida's early-season depth at point guard will be tested as the Gators open a multi-game stretch including the Players Era Tournament. How the team manages without Fland in its first home game will indicate whether its backcourt rotation can absorb short-term absences during a crowded early schedule.
With Fland out, fantasy managers and bettors tracking Florida's backcourt should expect a larger role for Lloyd and other guards in Friday's game. Fans can monitor official team updates ahead of the Las Vegas trip to confirm Fland's availability.
The takeaway
Injuries to starting guards are a normal part of early-season basketball, and depth players like Lloyd often determine how smoothly a team handles them. Watching how the rotation adjusts in the next few games offers a clear read on Florida's bench strength.
What happens next
Fland is expected to be available next week when Florida travels to Las Vegas for the Players Era Tournament.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster and season outlook, explore Florida Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tallahassee Democrat.
