Haugh's Return Shakes Up Gators, NBA Draft

0:00On April 21, Florida Gators forward, Thomas Houges dropped a bombshell by coming back for his senior year, even though he was pegged as an NBA. Lottery Pick, this is the first time since 2017 that a projected lottery guy has stayed in college, shaking up both the draft scene and Gator Nation. He told ESPN it wasn't a simple call, way tougher than last year. Sure, NIL money plays a role, but it's bigger, playing with his teammates, under coach Todd Golden, at the school he's always loved. He sees it as the smart move for his long-term career. That round of 32 lost to Iowa in the tournament, left a sour taste, especially for a life-long Gators fan like him. He didn't want that as his final memory. Plus, folks are buzzing about how elite college NIL deals now beat out rookie NBA salaries by a mile. Coach Golden broke it down. Hughes and NIL value a Florida could be 10 to 20 times higher than what he'd get as a pro next year, thanks to the brand, his four years there, and fan loyalty.

1:03It gives Todd college stars an edge over mid-tier NBA guys. With Hallback, alongside Garbuggie Fland, forward Alex Condon, and Portal Pick-Up Denzel Aberdeen, the Gators look stacked, maybe even preseason. Number 1. Theron Rubin Chenyelou, possibly returning from the draft, and coach Golden might stick around despite whispers from the Golden State Warriors. This squad is primed to run the show.