As if college sports couldn't get even more out of control, college basketball programs have started to recruit NBA players straight from the league.
It's a fad that came to the spotlight with Baylor's controversial signing of James Nnaji earlier this week, a development in which the former (arguably current) New York Knicks center is slated to become the first former NBA draft pick to play NCAA basketball.
Now it appears the Gators have hopped on the trend, as On3's Joe Tipton is reporting that Chicago Bulls two-way forward Trentyn Flowers is receiving interest from the Gators, along with a boatload of other top programs.
Chicago Bulls two-way player Trentyn Flowers is drawing interest from many college programs, a source told @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 28, 2025
The 6-foot-8 wing was a top-25 recruit in the 2023 class who initially committed to Louisville before opting for a pro career.
Story: https://t.co/or7wmRissv pic.twitter.com/Yo9sSqe1dL
Kentucky, Michigan, BYU, Kansas, Washington, Texas Tech, Florida, USC, LSU, SMU, Indiana, and Clemson make up the list of schools currently showing interest in Flowers.
The recent journey
A 6-foot-8 small forward in the 2023 class, Trentyn Flowers was considered a highly regarded prospect, eventually making a verbal commitment to Louisville. Despite completing several summer workouts in Louisville, Flowers chose to head to the NBL in Australia, where he signed with the Adelaide 36ers.
After a short stint in Australia, Flowers signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was eventually waived by the Clippers, with the Chicago Bulls swooping in for a two-way signing in October of this year.
On3's Joe Tipton noted that having appeared in eight NBA games, Flowers could struggle to find a path to NCAA eligibility.
While the NCAA has cleared several G League players who originally skipped college, a player like Flowers who’s played in actual NBA games has not yet been granted eligibility.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 28, 2025
Update
After Joe Tipton ran his initial piece with a graphic that included Florida, as well as stating specifically in his report that Florida had interest, the Gators have come out and essentially said, "Who us?"
Florida is denying that they have any interest in Flowers, and it is not alone. Multiple teams have since come and claimed they haven't spoken to Flowers, and they too have no clue why they were included in this graphic.