Florida returns two of the best men’s college basketball players in 2026-27.
Sports Illustrated broke down the top 15 returning players after Wednesday’s NBA draft decision deadline and forwards Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are both in the top five.
Condon made things official on April 15, and Haugh announced his return on April 21, but several other players waited until later in the cycle to decide. Now that everything is said and done, SI is confirming what everyone in Gainesville already knew: Todd Golden is an elite roster-builder and player retention at Florida is as good as it gets.
Haugh is the top returning player in the SEC and No. 2 in the nation according to SI staff writer Tim Capurso.
“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, Capurso said. “Instead, Haugh will now be an increasingly rare breed in modern college basketball: a senior who spent all four years with the same program.”
Limitless energy, clutch scoring and versatile defense are three key pieces of Haugh’s game. He’s a vocal leader and the heartbeat of Florida’s roster — okay, the Gators might have two hearts with Rueben Chinyelu also returning.
Opponents have to plan for Haugh, but he’s not a player that can be stopped entirely. Slowing him down is a win for most, and that’s why he’s No. 2 on Capurso’s list. For those curious, Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears takes the top spot.
Condon’s playmaking ability and size can’t be valued enough in the modern era of college basketball. He was one of four players across the nation to average 14 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Hold the comparisons to Nikola Jokic for now, but Condon is very much a do-it-all forward, landing him the No. 5 spot on this list.
“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,” said Capurso.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida basketball returning two of the best players in the game
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
