The Florida Gators are off to a 3-1 start, and while the guards for Florida have been a disappointment, the play of Thomas Haugh has kept things on the rails. After spending last season as a mostly rotational player, Haugh has been inserted into the starting lineup this year at the 3 spot and has looked like an NBA-type forward.
Haugh is currently averaging 19.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He was also recently named the SEC Player of the Week after his games against FSU and Miami.
After somewhat testing the NBA waters last year before opting to come back, it's clear that Haugh is quickly emerging as someone to watch for the 2026 NBA Draft. ESPN just ran a 2026 mock draft and has Haugh going No. 15 overall to the Celtics.
Of Haugh, they said:
"Many around the NBA anticipated Haugh would break out this season -- he has wasted no time establishing himself as one of the best players in college basketball. Although he'll turn 23 before his rookie season in the NBA, Haugh looks like an obvious plug-and-play option who will help any team with his ball movement, defensive effort and versatility. Teams with playoff aspirations will be looking hard at him starting in this part of the draft.
Amid some speculation that they could take a nosedive in the standings, the Celtics have been frisky in the absence of Jayson Tatum. Adding an NBA-ready player with this pick should be one approach they consider."
Alex Condon and Boogie Fland also on NBA radars
Two other Gators made the mock draft. Alex Condon also tested NBA waters last year before coming back. He was viewed as a borderline 1st round pick last year, but his play during the NCAA Tournament faded that possibility.
Condon has also looked great to start this season, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The biggest question for Condon is whether or not he will stay consistent throughout the season.
ESPN has him going No. 28 overall to OKC.
Rounding out potential Gators to get drafted is newcomer Boogie Fland. ESPN currently has him at No. 56 overall, which is a far cry from the potential lottery pick he was presented as when he came to Gainesville. Fland's biggest drawback thus far has been his three-point shooting, as he is averaging just 11.8% from three after he averaged 34% last year while with Arkansas.