Thomas Haugh makes decision on future in college basketball
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Thomas Haugh will be back for another year in Gainesville, folks.
The star Gators forward announced on Tuesday that he will be returning to play for head coach Todd Golden and Florida for his senior season, forgoing a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Haugh joins returning forward Alex Condon, who also shirked the draft in favor of returning for another season in college.
Now, Florida awaits the decision of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu, who announced that he would enter the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility on Monday.
Haugh’s return is obviously massive, massive news for the Gators. Likely to be one of the best-paid players in college basketball next season, Haugh averaged 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2026 and can just about do it all. He’s a strong defender, an efficient scorer and draws fouls with the best of the best, averaging 77% at the free throw line. Haugh finished as a First-Team All-SEC member and consensus second-team All-American last season.
“Most guys in my position in the draft, it would be a no-brainer to go to the NBA,” Haugh told ESPN. “It’s not just the NIL. It’s a chance to play with my boys. To play for coach Golden. To go to the school I love to play for. It was definitely a tougher decision than last year, but it was best for my career and future.”
Look out for the Gators next year.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
