Four former Florida Gators set to shine in NBA Summer League

As NBA teams announce their Summer League rosters, several former Florida Gators are getting their chance to impress. This year's lineup features both new faces and returning players, all hoping to make their mark.

Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel are the latest Gators to join the pro ranks. Pullin, though undrafted, secured a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. He'll be busy this summer, playing in both the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League. Samuel also went undrafted but caught the eye of the Phoenix Suns, who offered him an Exhibit-10 contract.

Collin Castleton is back for his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers. After a rookie season split between limited NBA action and impressive G-League performances, Castleton aims to prove he deserves more time on the big stage. In the NBA, he averaged 1.5 points and 0.8 rebounds in 16 games. His G-League stats were much stronger: 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Alex Fudge's story is particularly interesting. After just one year at Florida, where he played limited minutes and put up modest numbers, Fudge surprisingly entered the NBA draft. He initially joined the Lakers but was waived in January 2024. Now, he's got another shot with the Dallas Mavericks' Summer League team.

For these former Gators, the Summer League is more than just a series of games. It's a chance to show they belong in the NBA.

As the Summer League kicks off, basketball fans will be watching to see how these Florida alumni perform.