Thomas Haugh Opts for Senior Year at Florida, Delays NBA Draft
thomas-haugh-opts-for-senior-year-at-florida
Gainesville, Fla. — Florida forward Thomas Haugh, regarded as a potential lottery selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, will return to the Gators for his senior season, he told ESPN.
The 6’9” junior started all 34 games in 2025-26, averaging 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block across 33.3 minutes. His breakout campaign followed a reserve role on Florida’s 2025 national-title team.
ESPN ranked Haugh No. 13 on its 2026 draft board, and analysts described him as a high-energy forward with size and an improving perimeter game who was deemed NBA-ready for a rotation role. Despite that projection, Haugh said staying in school offered the best path for his development.
“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 Todd Golden, to play for the school I love.”
Industry estimates suggest his name, image and likeness earnings could exceed an NBA rookie salary for a mid-first-round pick next season.
With Haugh back, Florida is expected to enter 2026-27 as a preseason No. 1 contender after being ousted in this year’s NCAA second round. Frontcourt teammate Alex Condon has also committed to another season, while center Rueben Chinyelu has entered the 2026 draft but will keep his college eligibility intact.
Haugh, already a consensus second-team All-American, could enter the 2027 season as a leading candidate for national Player of the Year honors if his upward trajectory continues.
Source: HoopsRumors
