Florida Projected to have Second Straight Big NBA Draft in 2026

The Florida Gators had a very successful 2025 NBA Draft this past week with all three members of their backcourt trio being selected.

Walter Clayton Jr. was picked by the Utah Jazz with the 18th overall selection in round one while Alijah Martin (Toronto Raptors) and Will Richard (Golden State Warriors) went in the second round. 

This marked the second time in program history that UF had at least three players selected in the same draft. The only other time was in 2007, after Florida's back-to-back national championships when the Gators sent five members to the NBA.

Looking ahead, Florida still has a wealth of possible NBA-ready talent for the 2025-26 season. On Friday, USA Today released its "Way-too-early" 2026 NBA Draft first-round projections, which named three Gators going in the first 29 picks.

Florida Gators players hoist the trophy.

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

In the mock draft, USA Today dubbed Boogie Fland, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh worthy of first-round selections next year.

Fland was marked as the No. 10 overall prospect for 2026. He is entering his first season with the Gators after transferring from Arkansas this offseason. As a freshman, Fland put up 13.5 points, 5.1 assists and over a steal per game with the Razorbacks. Now, in the absence of Florida's three-headed monster, Fland promises to have a big season.

The national publication labeled Condon No. 19 in its mock draft after a very successful sophomore season at UF. He declared for this year's draft but ultimately withdrew his name. The Australian forward averaged over 10 points with 7.5 boards per game last year in the Gators' run to the national title. Condon will play an even bigger role next season, leading to a better draft position.

Haugh, the No. 29 prospect, like Condon, tested the waters of the 2025 NBA Draft before deciding to come back to Todd Golden's Gators for one more year. Entering his junior year, Haugh will likely be in Florida's starting five after making just five starts last season. Off the bench, Haugh scored 9.8 points per contest to go along with over six rebounds.

Although UF will miss its three leading scorers from its 2025 NCAA championship, Golden's reloaded roster will no doubt grace the NBA draft boards in 2026.