Haugh declines draft, returns to Florida for senior year

Florida forward Thomas Haugh will return for his senior season rather than enter the NBA draft, despite being considered a potential lottery pick, he told ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Jeremy Woo.

Haugh averaged 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds as a junior. He'll return alongside Alex Condon, who's also delaying his NBA aspirations in favor of his senior campaign.

"Most guys in my position in the draft, it would be a no-brainer to go to the NBA," Haugh said. "It's not just the NIL. It's a chance to play with my boys. To play for coach (Todd) 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."

Haugh helped the Gators win a national championship in 2025. Florida obtained a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season in 2026 but got bounced by Iowa in the second round.

With both Haugh and Condon returning, the Gators will be one of the favorites to win it all in 2027.

Florida is still waiting to see whether center Rueben Chinyelu, the reigning national Defensive Player of the Year, will return for his senior season. Chinyelu recently declared for the NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility.