The college basketball landscape for the 2026-27 season came into sharper focus last week after the deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to school passed. While there is still room for a few changes here and there, we have a firm idea of what the rosters will look like for the primary contenders.
One of the biggest outcomes from this year’s draft considerations was the Florida Gators’ retention of their starting frontcourt of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Reuben Chinyelu — all of whom tested the draft waters but ultimately chose to return to Gainesville for one last run. That placed Todd Golden’s team among the “winners” according to both CBS Sports’ Cameron Salerno and ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
“(T)he biggest winner of the deadline was Florida. Reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Rueben Chinyelu, was the final piece of the puzzle for what has been a very good offseason on the retention front for Florida coach Todd Golden. Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar will all be back for the 2026-27 season,” Borzello offered in his NBA draft withdrawal deadline winners and losers column.
“If the preseason poll were conducted this week, Florida would likely be the No. 1 team. The frontcourt of Chinyelu, Haugh and Condon is the best in the sport.”
Meanwhile, Borzello included Florida alongside the Duke Blue Devils, Illinois Illini, Louisville Cardinals and Michigan State Spartans in his category of teams that solidified their top-15 status. “Florida is almost certain to open the campaign at No. 1,” he stated.
Borzello was consistent with that assertion in his latest way-too-early rankings, in which he has the Orange and Blue atop the field.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida a clear ‘winner’ following NBA draft withdrawal deadline
Reporting by Adam Dubbin, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
