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Thomas Haugh Returns To Florida, Bypasses 2026 NBA Draft

The move signals how NIL now rivals mid-first NBA money.

Overview

  • Haugh, who announced Tuesday, will return for his senior season and delay a likely lottery selection.
  • ESPN reports he will be among the highest-paid college players next year with revenue share and endorsements that can rival mid-first rookie guarantees.
  • With Alex Condon also back and Rueben Chinyelu testing the draft with eligibility preserved, early media and betting projections now slot Florida as a preseason No. 1 favorite.
  • Haugh averaged 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, earned All-American and All-SEC honors, and is the highest-ranked ESPN prospect to return since Miles Bridges in 2017.
  • Coach Todd Golden said a talk with Warriors forward Draymond Green helped shape the choice, and he added he plans to keep coaching Florida.