Is Thomas Haugh college basketball's best player?
Is Thomas Haugh college basketball's best player?
Michael Trim Jr, Gators WireFri, August 7, 2026 at 5:58 PM UTC
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The Florida Gators are arguably college basketball's preseason No. 1 team, and with that, there has to be someone at the head of the snake.
Following the departure of Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin, Haugh was the player who stepped up for the Gators in the 2025-26 season.
If Haugh had the season he had in 2025-26 prior to NIL, he wouldn't have thought twice about staying in the NBA draft. Fortunately for Florida, we live in a world where NIL exists and contributed to his return to the sport.
Haugh was a surefire first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft but chose to return to school to build on his success last season and bring another championship to Gainesville after the Gators were upset by Iowa in the NCAA Tournament second round.
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Being labeled the best player in a sport comes with pressure, but Haugh's game is tailor-made for it. He plays both ends of the floor and scores efficiently, averaging 17 points per game on 46% shooting from the field. Haugh also scored over 20 points in 13 games this past season, showcasing his offensive consistency.
Among all the contenders for the best player in college basketball, Haugh arguably has the best case; he contributed to a national championship, then followed that up by leading his team to a one seed after losing three starters to the NBA.
In his final year of college basketball, Haugh could potentially stack up every major individual award and cement his legacy as an all-time great not only within the Florida program but ever.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Is Thomas Haugh college basketball's best player?
Source: “AOL Sports”
