In just three seasons, Todd Golden has propelled the Florida Gators men’s basketball team to national prominence, culminating in a thrilling 65–63 victory over Houston to clinch the 2025 NCAA Championship. Despite this monumental achievement, Golden admits the reality is still settling in. “It really still hasn’t sunk in all the way,” he shared.
Todd Golden’s Championship Triumph and the Transition Ahead
Golden’s journey to the pinnacle of college basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. After a stint in the business world, he returned to the sport, eventually leading the Gators to a 36–4 season and their first national title since 2007.
Reflecting on the victory on “The Field of 68: After Dark,” Golden said, “Being able to go from starting really at Columbia with the majority of these guys to getting to an incredible place like Florida and winning a national championship was something that we’re all incredibly proud of.”
However, the celebration was short-lived as the team quickly turned its focus to roster management and preparation for the upcoming season. “We had to get right back to work… with roster building and retention,” Golden noted.
A significant development in the offseason was the transfer of guard Denzel Aberdeen to Kentucky. Aberdeen, who averaged 7.7 points per game during the championship season, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Wildcats, stating on social media, “MAN I LOVE KENTUCKY!! Had a great official visit today in Lexington, cannot wait to represent the University and its culture. #BBN.”
Strategic Additions and Rising Stars
To fill the void left by Aberdeen, the Gators secured Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee, a two-time All-Ivy League first-team selection. Lee brings impressive stats, having averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game last season. His decision to join Florida underscores the program’s growing appeal.
Another key figure in Florida’s future is forward Thomas Haugh. After a breakout sophomore season, Haugh chose to return to the Gators, bypassing the NBA Draft. Golden praised his development, stating, “Tommy has just continued to improve so much when he got to campus.”
With these strategic moves, Golden is optimistic about the team’s prospects. “I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to find someone to take that spot and I think the Gator will have a pretty good group again next year,” he asserted.
Florida Gators basketball has finally found a new era under the guidance of Todd Golden. But even as the championship victory begins to sink in the attention is already focused on moving ahead from it.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
The Gators have key additions, Xaivian Lee and the return of Thomas Haugh and are primed for another good year. Echoing Golden’s view, the team’s focus is always in the doing, with Golden aptly putting it as the joy.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
