WINTER HAVEN -- For Polk State Basketball sophomore guard George Pridgett, being a leader is nothing new.

Pridgett was selected as the team's captain for the 2022-23 season. A transfer from NCAA Division I Jacksonville University, Pridgett has taken on a leadership role on and off the court.

"Most of the teams that I've been a part of, I've been a captain," he said. "Most of my life, I've been a leader. To be selected as a team captain meant a lot to me."

As a freshman last season at Jacksonville, Pridgett played in 27 games, making six starts. He finished the season averaging 3.7 points per game while shooting a stellar 49.1% from beyond the three-point arc.

"The very first conversation we had was about leadership," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "The second phone conversation was about him committing and talking about how much he wanted to grow as a leader. I knew he would be a good candidate for team captain."

Despite seeing plenty of the floor last season at Jacksonville, Pridgett dealt with adversity beyond basketball. His father George Pridgett Sr. died in September 2021; the younger Pridgett finished the season, but later sought a change of scenery.

"Being a leader and not a follower is something my father instilled in me," Pridgett said. "I know my dad would be proud of me."

Through two games, Pridgett is averaging 13.5 points and a team-high three assists per game. Remarkably, Pridgett has yet to commit a turnover. As a team captain, Pridgett understands the onus is on him to play well.

"Guys are not going to follow someone not performing," Pridgett said. "It's easy when things are going well, but I'm looking forward to the moments of adversity. That will tell us what type of team we have."

Polk State is off to an 0-2 start during the 2022-23 season but hung tough with No. 9 Chipola College in a 76-66 loss on Saturday night in the Chipola Classic. Pridgett finished with 20 points in the contest – the most of his collegiate career.

"Once he got on campus, hearing his voice amongst the team, watching his actions and feeling his commitment told me he should be the internal leader of this team," Giles added.

Despite the rocky start in the Panhandle, Pridgett is optimistic about what's ahead this season.

"I truly believe we can win a conference championship," he said. "In fact, I think one is coming to Polk."

Last season, Polk State reached the FCSAA Tournament for the first time under Giles. While Pridgett is no stranger to being a leader, he averaged just 12.4 minutes per game at Jacksonville last season. So far, he is averaging more than twice that many for the Eagles.

"The biggest adjustment has been my increased role," the sophomore guard said. "I really appreciate how Coach Giles and (Assistant Coach Josh) Jackson have adjusted their philosophies to fit our strengths. I'm really excited for this rollercoaster ride."