Had a chance to catch up with UF senior forward Chandler Parsons and UF sophomore guard Kenny Boynton at the practice facility.

Both welcome the higher expectations this season. And both said they have worked hard this summer on their perimeter shooting. Parsons said he has been studying more tape, “I want to be a knock-down shooter,” Parsons said. “If I’m open there is no reason I shouldn’t knock it down.” Boynton said he hired a shooting coach, Los Angeles-based Bob Tate, to work on his mechanics. Tate is coming to Gainesville later this month. “I’m trying to keep my form on every shot and stay on balance,” Boynton said.

Florida finished an uncharacteristic 11th in 3-point shooting in the SEC last year, making just 31.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Boynton and Parsons also provided updates on UF’s five incoming freshman, who are on campus. Both have played with the incoming 2010 class during pickup games.

So far, incoming freshman power forward Patric Young has been as physical as advertised.

“He must have elbowed me over 19 times in pickup,” Parsons said. “The guy is just out of his mind, the way he plays, just so hard and physical. He brings something that I’ve never played with. He’s just an absolute animal.”

Later, Parsons added: “When he plays, it’s like he’s pissed off, he’s mad. It’s a good thing because he can help us a lot, he’s gonna rebound, he’s gonna block shots, he’s not gonna back down from anybody and as a freshman that’s a good quality.”

Some other early freshman reviews:

Boynton, on 17-year-old point guard Scottie Wilbekin: “He surprised me. This is the first time I’ve seen him play, once he got here. He’s a scoring guard.”

Parsons, on swing-man Casey Prather: “He can knock down jump shots and of defense he really gets in passing lanes.  He’s gonna help us out, really athletic in transition and can finish well.”

Boynton, on forward Cody Larson: “Cody, definitely, athletically, he’s dunking on all of the freshmen. So he’s showing some good things, too.”

Boynton, on forward Will Yeguete: “I like Will’s game. He just needs to improve his outside shooting. He’s working, too.”

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