It is practically a 2025-2026 reunion for the Florida Gators right now as another Todd Golden player has announced his return to Gainesville for another season. Junior guard Thomas Haugh, who was projected to be an NBA Lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has decided to return for what will likely be his final college season.
Not only is Haugh returning to college basketball, but he is also returning to the Gators, making him another key piece coming back to Florida for Todd Golden next season. This news comes on the heels of Alex Condon announcing his return, but Rueben Chinyelu declaring for the NBA Draft; however, he would return to Florida if he withdraws from the draft process.
Florida junior Thomas Haugh -- a projected potential lottery pick -- will return to the Gators next season, he tells me, @JeremyWoo and @jeffborzello. With the 2027 Player of the Year candidate back in the fold, Florida becomes the favorite to open next season at No. 1. pic.twitter.com/mfxOlFm3Wm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2026
Haugh's return is huge for the Florida lineup that could now see three of its five key starters returning next season. This news could be big for Florida, snatching that Preseason No. 1 ranking for the 2026-2027 season, especially with Haugh probably favored to win Player of the Year.
Florida is just a year removed from winning a National Championship, and a few weeks removed from being just a few seconds away from a trip to the Sweet 16. Golden having this kind of return, along with a few other names, could have Gator fans thinking another title run could be on its way.
Does the Thomas Haugh news change things for Todd Golden and the Golden State Warriors?
Early Tuesday morning, it was reported that the NBA could be calling Golden and he just might answer. The Golden State Warriors were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs yet again, making many wonder if head coach Steve Kerr will step away or even be fired. If that is the case, Yahoo Sports reported that Golden could be the first call the Warriors make.
With the news of Haugh's return, though, it could change things for Golden. While the Florida head coach has ties with the Warriors from his time coaching in San Francisco, it just doesn't feel like he would leave a team he built and has all returned for another season, even with high NBA profiles waiting for them.
Time will tell, as there are a few dominoes that have to fall in order for Golden to get that phone call, but these Florida players have made it very hard for him to walk away, especially with the thought of another championship on the line.
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