Both Brown Brothers in Gators' Early Rotation Ahead of Baylor Exhibition

Florida's men's basketball rotation is still taking shape, but for now it includes both Brown brothers: sophomore wing Isaiah Brown and his older brother, guard AJ Brown.

"It's early in the process, but @GatorsMBK rotation for now includes both Brown brothers (Isaiah, a top reserve last year, and AJ, injured in '25-26)," floridagators.com senior writer Chris Harry posted around 6:05 p.m. ET Saturday.

It's early in the process, but @GatorsMBK rotation for now includes both Brown brothers (Isaiah, a top reserve last year, and AJ, injured in '25-26).

"It's a blessing," AJ said.

#Gators vs Baylor (exhibition)
Sunday at Jacksonville.
My setup ⤵️

— Chris Harry (@GatorsChris) October 17, 2026

In Harry's story on floridagators.com, AJ Brown said: "Just playing basketball here is a dream come true. To play with my brother, that's a blessing."

AJ's return

AJ Brown didn't play last season while he recovered from shoulder surgery, Harry wrote. Over three seasons (2022-25) at Ohio, he averaged 11.4 points and shot 37% from 3-point range. He's now in his fifth and final college season.

Harry reports that Brown earned the first shot at one of Florida's open rotation spots. In the Gators' closed scrimmage against North Florida 10 days ago, he had 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting from 3, plus three rebounds, two assists, two steals and no turnovers in 15 minutes.

"The gravity that AJ provides on the court, that showed up," coach Todd Golden said, according to Harry. "When you have guys on the floor that the other team is afraid to leave, it provides a much easier path [for playmakers in the post]."

AJ Brown described his role this way: "Everybody on this team scored 30 in high school, so not everybody is going to be the guys taking all the shots. Somebody has to play defense, rebound, get loose balls, do the little things that help the team win."

Isaiah's rise

Isaiah Brown became a reliable reserve midway through last season. In conference play he averaged 6.6 points and 2.6 rebounds and shot nearly 51% from the floor and 42% from 3-point range, Harry wrote.

"This team has set high standards," Isaiah Brown said. "And we all have our role to meet those standards."

On having his brother on the floor with him, he told Harry: "It just feels normal again."

Up next: Baylor in Jacksonville

Florida opens its exhibition slate against Baylor on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. ET at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. The game streams on SEC Network+ on the ESPN App. For TV, radio and ticket details, see our preview: Gators vs. Baylor exhibition: how to watch.

Sources: Chris Harry, floridagators.com; @GatorsChris on X.