Tarohn FinleyContributing writerTue, April 21, 2026 at 5:42 PM UTC·2 min readFlorida Gators forward Thomas Haugh is forgoing the NBA Draft to return for his senior season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jeremy Woo and Jeff Borzello. Haugh had been projected as a lottery pick in this year’s draft.
Florida junior Thomas Haugh -- a projected potential lottery pick -- will return to the Gators next season, he tells me, @JeremyWoo and @jeffborzello. With the 2027 Player of the Year candidate back in the fold, Florida becomes the favorite to open next season at No. 1. pic.twitter.com/mfxOlFm3Wm
While NIL has influenced many top college basketball players' decisions to stay in college, Haugh told ESPN that his decision to stay was influenced more by his experience at Florida than by NIL.
“Most guys in my position, it would be a no-brainer to go to the NBA,” Haugh said. “It’s not just the NIL. It’s the chance to play with my teammates, to play for Coach [Todd] Golden, and to represent a school I love. It was definitely a tougher decision than last year, but it’s what’s best for my career and future.”
Haugh’s return is one of the most significant in college basketball heading into next season, and he is expected to be a leading candidate for National Player of the Year.
Last season, the 22-year-old averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 61% from the field. He earned All-SEC First Team honors and was named a third-team AP All-American. Haugh has improved each year at Florida, averaging 3.9 points as a freshman, 9.8 as a sophomore, and breaking out as a junior.
Florida is also expected to be among the early favorites to contend for a national championship next season. The Gators finished 27-8 this season, won the SEC regular-season title, and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament before falling to Iowa in the second round. Haugh won a championship with the Gators in 2025.
With Haugh and Alex Condon both returning for their senior seasons, much of the Gators’ frontcourt will remain intact. Gators point guard Boogie Fland has also announced his return.
Additionally, Florida center Rueben Chinyelu is testing the NBA Draft waters but has indicated he will return to Florida if he withdraws.