The retention of Florida basketball’s roster has been one of the biggest storylines heading into next season as the Gators seek redemption after falling short of defending a national championship.
The NIL era allowed UF to keep its big man trio of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu. That continuity left Florida absent from the 2026 NBA Draft conversation after seeing three players selected a year earlier, headlined by Walter Clayton Jr.
As UF’s run for another legitimate chance at a national title is far from over, neither is the NBA intrigue around the roster and head coach Todd Golden.
Assuming the Gators have the hopeful deep run that is expected, here’s a breakdown of how next year’s NBA Draft could go.
Will Thomas Haugh be a lottery pick?
After playing just one year at the wing, Haugh averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists to earn him All-American honors.
It’s hard to think that a second year of experience at the wing could lead to Haugh having more eye-popping numbers.
He’ll be one of the oldest prospects next year, but fortunately Haugh will benefit from the 2027 Draft Class being perceived as much weaker than the 2026 class.
There’s a strong chance that Haugh will be a lottery pick, but at worst, could go in the mid-teens.
Will Alex Condon push to be a first round pick?
Condon put extra pressure on himself after 2025 to improve his 3-point shooting and boost his NBA stock.
After the national title, Condon was viewed as a second-round pick, but after testing draft waters, he was told that if his shooting could improve, he could push to be a first-rounder.
Unfortunately, Condon’s 3-point shooting didn’t work, but instead he doubled down on his strengths and became arguably Florida’s best player in the final stretch of the 2026 season.
The Australian finished the season averaging 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, but posted 17.5 points in the last 11 games of the season.
Back in April, ESPN projected Condon to be taken at No. 30, but if Condon can replicate his final stretch of the year for a full season, it could boost him soundly in the first round.
Will Rueben Chinyelu go in the first or second round?
The Gators big man and reigning National Defensive Player of the Year averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds last year.
Chinyelu tested the NBA Draft waters to see where his game needs to grow, likely showing the ability to create more offensive opportunities or at least be slightly more efficient.
A perfect year for Chinyelu could lead to him being a late first-round pick, but more than likely an early second-round pick.
Chinyelu was listed at No. 46 on one ESPN mock draft just before he withdrew his name.
What if Boogie Fland regains draft momentum?
Out of high school, the former five-star was initially viewed as a one-and-done NBA prospect.
He averaged 13.5 points per game before injuring his hand at Arkansas, but averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, and shot only 24% from the 3-point line, which was a 10% drop off compared to his first season in college.
Still Fland’s speed, improved defense, and ability to create opportunities in transition continue to maintain interest.
With a full year in Florida’s system under his belt, Fland could play himself into regaining his NBA interests.
Does a big year for Aberdeen secure an NBA draft pick?
Aberdeen has yet to be cleared to play for Florida, but the confidence is high that he’ll be wearing the Orange and Blue next season.
Before last season, Aberdeen was viewed as a second-round prospect. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds in his lone season at Kentucky and shot 36% from the 3-point line.
Aberdeen’s size and 3-point shooting ability could gain interest, but with a chance to have a larger role on Florida’s stacked roster, he could solidify NBA interest.
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Five Florida basketball players that could hear their names called in 2027 NBA Draft
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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By Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
