In a game defined by grit and composure, the Florida Gators edged Houston 65-63 to win the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship.
It was more than a win—it was a display of belief, resilience, and trust in one another, even when the game seemed to be slipping away. Or so that’s how the Gators’ players and coaching staff saw it.
From the Locker Room: Everything Florida Said After Winning the 2025 NCAA Championship
Here’s a look inside the Gators’ locker room following their dramatic title win, with thoughts from head coach Todd Golden and players Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, Alijah Martin, and Alex Condon.
Todd Golden, Florida’s second-year head coach, smiled as he took the stage, but his message was centered on humility.
“It’s a heck of an accomplishment,” Golden said. “I’m just a piece of the puzzle.”
Golden thanked the players, coaches, and support staff, crediting the win to shared belief and consistency. He emphasized the team-first mindset that defined Florida’s season.
As Houston’s defense locked in on Clayton Jr. early, Will Richard delivered key buckets and defensive stops to keep Florida in it.
“Just trying to make plays… give ourselves the best chance to win,” Richard said.
“We have multiple guys on this team that can go,” Clayton Jr. added. “Tonight, Will did what he’s been doing all year—he stepped up.”
Florida trailed by double digits with under 10 minutes left but, as they had all tournament, found a way back.
“We don’t have any quit,” Richard said. “We fight through adversity.”
“We got together in the huddle, said we’re good,” added Condon, who anchored the interior defense.
“We never blinked,” said Martin.
Walter, smiling: “I agree with what they said.”
With the game on the line and Houston’s LJ Cryer looking to force overtime, Clayton Jr. recognized a backscreen and contested the final shot without fouling.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” he said. “These guys around me kept me going… we’ve been picking each other up all year.”
Golden praised the Gators’ defensive stretch late, noting nine straight stops in the final minutes.
He has often pointed to his team’s mental toughness. Florida overcame double-digit deficits in four of six tournament games—against UConn, Auburn, Texas Tech and Houston—and stayed composed throughout.
“Never too high, never too low,” Golden said. “We’ve built that all year.”
“We get talked about for our offense, but we’re a top-10 defense too. Tonight, that won us a national championship.”
Florida didn’t just win a title—they earned it. A group that trusted its coach, leaned on each other, and never gave in.
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Their run will be remembered not just for the result, but for the resolve that carried them through every challenge.
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