Thomas Haugh, who had been considered as a possible 2026 lottery choose, has determined to postpone coming into the NBA and can return to Florida for his senior season, he instructed ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jeff Borzello, and Jeremy Woo.
The 6’9″ ahead was a part of Florida’s 2025 nationwide championship staff as a reserve earlier than breaking out in 2025/26, beginning all 34 video games and averaging 17.1 factors, 6.1 rebounds, and a couple of.1 assists.
He earned second-team All-American honors and was ranked No. 13 on ESPN’s draft board earlier than opting to remain at school.
Slightly than turning professional, Haugh will use his last 12 months of eligibility to pursue one other title with a Florida staff anticipated to be among the many nation’s finest.
He may additionally place himself as a contender for 2027 Participant of the Yr honors if his improvement continues.
“Most guys in my place within the draft, it might be a no brainer to go to the NBA,” Haugh instructed ESPN.
“It’s not simply the NIL. It’s an opportunity to play with my boys. To play for coach (Todd) Golden. To go to the college I like to play for. It was undoubtedly a harder resolution than final 12 months, however it was finest for my profession and future.”
Whereas Haugh downplayed NIL’s position, stories recommend he’s more likely to earn extra at Florida subsequent season than he would as a mid-first-round NBA choose.
Teammate Alex Condon can be returning, whereas Rueben Chinyelu has declared for the 2026 draft however may nonetheless come again to school.
Potential Lottery Decide Thomas Haugh Returning To Gators https://t.co/bdE0t18Wdu pic.twitter.com/HBg7KCqFku
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 21, 2026
