Haugh's Return Boosts Gators to Top Preseason Favorite

0:00On April 22nd, Florida Gators basketball just landed a massive win. Thomas Howe, whose peg does a 2026 NBA lottery pick, is coming back to Gainesville for another season. This move reloads Todd Golden Squad and has them pegged as the top preseason favorite in the country. Howe was looking at number 13 in mock dress before this news hit. Now, with another year grinding in the SEC, Scouts see him climbing into the top five range next year. Last season, he put up 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, shooting 46% from the field over 34. Gaines, fans and analysts are buzzing about this all around talent sticking around. It keeps Florida's core intact and amps up their championship vibes from recent runs. The Gators were already strong, but Hawes returned seals them as the team to chase. Golden isn't stopping there. Alex Condon, Boogie Flan, Urban Claw Jar and Kentucky, transfer Denzel Aberdeen, who started his career in Gainesville, are all locked in to contribute.

1:03Ruben Chinna-Lews in the pre-draft workouts, but where it is, he'll rejoin the squad too. With this mix of vets and fresh talent, Florida lets Prime to dominate the SEC and push deep into March madness. Golden's got the pieces. Now it's about putting it all together for that title shot.