Todd Golden, coaching staff, Florida teammates, and the fans would be on the moon right now. Thomas Haugh, one of the most important players for Golden’s system, has decided not to declare for the NBA draft. Despite being a probable first-round pick, Thomas Haugh is returning to the Florida Gators for his senior season.
Thomas averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 34 games this season. He has a chance to win another national championship under Golden, as he will be a Gator for another year. As he returns for his senior year, Haugh is reportedly set to earn over $4 million as the NIL deal with the Gators. Many believe this was the major reason for his return. Recently, the Florida star explained his decision.
When asked about how much of a role a high-paying NIL deal played in his return, Thomas Haugh answered:
“Yeah. I mean, that obviously played into it, but that’s like I let my agent and all my people handle that, you know. I think my dad did a great job with that this year. But for me, it’s not really about that, you know, like I’m not a money kind of guy like that.”
He continued:
“I love wearing the orange and blue, and I want to represent my school and I want to go back out there and get another championship under Coach Golden and play with my guys for one more year, you know?”
“I think a lot of times now in college basketball, you see people chasing a check and chasing all that stuff, but for me, honestly, it’s it’s just it’s it’s pride, you know? I love playing here and then I want to get to give all my 100% for my coach, too,” he concluded.
Despite winning the SEC regular season championship, the Gators were eliminated from the NCAA tournament in the second round. Haugh shared that this was not the way he wanted to end his Gators career.
Todd Golden closes doors on potential Warriors head coach job
There are a lot of speculations that Steve Kerr is ready to step down as the Warriors’ head coach. With Stephen Curry and company reportedly in search of the next coach, one of the youngest coaches to win an NCAA championship, Todd Golden, has apparently been shortlisted.
There are reports that the Warriors are considering sending an offer to Golden. Speculations even suggest that Golden might just take the leap and leave the Gators for the Warriors. However, recently, he set the record straight.
When a reporter asked if he would be returning, Todd Golden said he is planning to coach the Florida Gators next season as well. Now with some new additions, Haugh coming back, and Golden most possibly staying, Gators fans have a lot to get excited about.
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