Florida Basketball Welcomes Back Two Elite Players for the Upcoming Season

The University of Florida's men's basketball team is set to retain two standout players for the 2026-27 season. Following the recent NBA draft decision deadline, Sports Illustrated highlighted forwards Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh among the top five returning players in college basketball. Condon confirmed his return on April 15, while Haugh made his announcement on April 21, solidifying Florida's strong roster for the upcoming season.

According to Sports Illustrated's Tim Capurso, Haugh is ranked as the number one returning player in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and second nationally. Capurso remarked, "Haugh was set up to be a lottery pick after starring as a key frontcourt piece for a championship-winning Gators team in 2024-25 and another talented team this past season." His decision to stay means he will be one of the few seniors in college basketball who remains with the same program for all four years.

Haugh is known for his relentless energy, clutch scoring, and adaptable defense, making him a pivotal player on Florida's roster. While he poses a significant challenge for opponents, slowing him down is often viewed as a victory for rival teams. For comparison, Michigan State's Jeremy Fears holds the top spot in Capurso's rankings.

Condon's versatility and size are crucial assets in today's college basketball landscape. He joined an elite group of players by averaging 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game last season. Capurso noted, "Not only will the senior have a great chance to improve his draft stock, and therein his perimeter shooting, but he’ll also have a real chance at winning a second national championship on a Florida team returning four starters and 11 players from the 2025-26 roster."

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