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
Gators riding the wave
Unless you've been living under a rock, you're well aware that college basketball has changed drastically in the last five years. It started with the transfer portal and NIL, but it quickly spiraled into something we can't even describe.
The opportunity to add NBA players to NCAA rosters, as crazy as it sounds, is one that appears the Gators aren't going to let pass by. Head coach Todd Golden's ability to effectively utilize NIL, the transfer portal, and all that has come with the new era of college basketball brought a national championship to Gainesville next year--why wouldn't he take advantage of yet another opportunity?
One trait that Golden has exemplified during his time with the Gators is his adaptability. Arriving from mid-major San Francisco, most coaches would've come with a lengthy rebuilding period: one that would sacrifice several seasons. For Golden? It was just one season of adjustment before he went into full swing, appearing in the NCAA Tournament in his second year before winning the entire thing in his third. He accomplished this through innovating and adapting, and that's why he's making an early move.