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To some Gator fans, the back to back national titles the University of Florida men's basketball team won seems like a distant memory. In this what have you done for me lately world we live in, everything is compared to those two glorious years.

Many believed that by winning those national titles that Florida would join the elite of colllege basketball; the Dukes, the North Carolinas, the UCLAs and even Kansas.

Not so fast my friend.

Florida is not those schools in basketball and probably never will be; but that doesn't mean this program is not a good one in the sport. Far from it.

As this is written, the Gator basketball team again sits squarely on the bubble as it prepares to play Auburn in the SEC Tournament; most believe Florida has to win one game, if not two, in the tournament to punch a ticket to the Big Dance. If Florida does not go, there will be a segment of Gator fans who will grumble that Florida has not returned to the NCAA Tournament since winning those back to back national titles.

So where does that leave this program? What is its future?

Before going there, let me clarify something right away; it is ALWAYS better to go to the NCAA Tournament and go one and done than to win the NIT...always. The NCAA Tournament experience would do much more for this group than another NIT trip.

But even if Florida does not make the NCAA's, does anyone really believe the program is in trouble? If you do, think again.

I am not blind to things that are wrong; Florida has had too many defections, transfers, and miscalculations in recruiting and all those things have led to where Florida is right now. It always seems Florida does not have enough bodies to compete and that is annoying at times, but understand, do you think the coaches plan it that way? Of course they don't but that issue must be addressed.

This year, whether or not Florida makes the NCAA Tournament, Billy Donovan and his staff have done a remarkable job with this team; maybe it is his best coaching job in a long time. But to go to the next level again, they'll need more bodies, better players and most of those players have to stick around.

Next year, Dan Werner leaves as a senior; Adam Allen's future is in doubt because of injury and Nimrod Tishman may also go because he seemingly cannot play at this level. Two players to this point come in; power forward Patric Young and swingman Casey Prather. But Florida could get more in 2010.

It is no secret Florida would love guard Brandon Knight and he has narrowed his list to five including the Gators. Power forward C.J. Leslie is a possibility too as is Ray McCallum Jr. But it is still possible that Florida will not fill all of its available scholarships for 2010 and that isn't necessarily bad.

More help is on the way in 2011 with the likes of Austin Rivers assuming he doesn't get swayed by Duke and guard Bradley Beal. Power forward Rakeem Christmas has narrowed his choices of schools to five including Florida as well.

Which leads me to this; the Gator basketball program is in good shape and will be for years to come under Billy Donovan's leadership. Next year, however, will be a big year if the Gators don't make the NCAA Tournament this year with just about everyone back and a year older the pressure will be on to go to the Big Dance.

So if you're a fan of Gator men's basketball, let's hope this year's group can get an NCAA Tournament invitation...but if not, know the future looks to be solid.