Thomas Haugh’s return to Florida fueled by loss, legacy and NIL riches
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A crushing loss, deep friendships, timely advice and NIL opportunity brought All-SEC forward Thomas Haugh back to Florida. This combination delivered an offseason windfall for men’s basketball coach Todd Golden’s Gators.
Haugh announced Tuesday he will return for a fourth season rather than enter the NBA draft, where he projected as a potential lottery pick with earnings in the $5 million range. Instead, the 22-year-old will chase unfinished business after top-seeded, reigning national champion Florida’s stunning 73-72 loss to Iowa on March 22 in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. “If we would have made a deep run, we probably wouldn’t have as good of a chance of getting him back,” Golden said.
“That’s reality. That’s human nature. I think that kind of pours into his competitiveness and the legacy that he wants to leave here at Florida.
” Haugh’s return followed a similar decision by Alex Condon, a preseason All-America forward, Haugh’s roommate and close friend. “Alex and Tommy have an incredibly tight relationship; they’ve been very close for four years,” Golden said. “That definitely played a part in it.
” Another unexpected influence came during a conversation with Golden State Warriors’ star Draymond Green, arranged by former Gator Will Richard, now Green’s teammate. “Tommy was asking about the NBA and all these different things, and Draymond gave him great perspective on what life in the NBA is like and what life in college is like —and how enjoyable it is,” Golden said. “The NBA will be there for him.
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