Bleacher Report has 3 Florida Gators going in 2026 NBA first round mock draft

USA Today

30-06-2025

Bleacher Report NBA draft insider Jonathan Wasserman tried his hand at projecting the 2026 draft a year ahead of time, and he has the same three Florida Gators going in the first round that ESPN included on its way-too-early big board: Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Thomas Haugh.
Condon and Haugh were two critical pieces of the frontcourt that helped Florida win a national championship last season, and Fland is one of two big-name transfers brought in to replace the Big 3 backcourt that just got drafted. The goal is to repeat as national champions, and Todd Golden has once again worked the transfer portal to apparent perfection.
If Bleacher Report's projections come to fruition, Florida will see six players drafted in two years after just two over the previous decade.
No. 24 New York Knicks: Alex Condon (Florida, C)
Condon already had first-round projections floating with his name by the time SEC play got going, but a second-half injury slowed him down a bit and made him a fringe first-round pick. After testing the draft waters, Condon is returning as the unquestioned leader of this Gators team. If he continues to develop, he could be the program's second All-American in as many seasons.
"Alex Condon generated first-round buzz this past year with his athletic finishing, defensive activity, passing and shooting flashes," Wasserman said. "He'll return to the defending champs, presumably with a large offensive role that he'll want to use for showing more self-creation and three-point range."
28. Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas Haugh (Florida, PF)
Haugh could see some time at the three as a bigger wing, especially if he continues shooting from 3-point distance, but Bleacher Report is listing him as a power forward right now. Assuming Haugh steps into a starting role, he'll have to learn to pace himself a bit more, but he was already playing near-starter minutes off the bench in a sixth man role last season.
"Thomas Haugh's 20-point, 11-rebound game against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament shone a light on his big-man versatility that the NBA covets. The 6'9" forward has clear three-point shooting range as well as more offensive skill to put the ball down, score on the move and pass."
The most exciting thing about Haugh is that he hasn't come close to reaching his full potential. There were flashes in the NCAA Tournament last season, but he was still improving from the Final Four to the championship game. Haugh could be the biggest riser over a calendar year in the draft class if he continues on the same trajectory.
30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Boogie Fland (Florida, PG)
Fland also had draft prospects this year after one season with Arkansas. He spent much of the year injured and attempted a return for the playoffs. With the two other Gators already established on the roster, Fland has a chance to break out as the dark horse candidate of this group. He already holds a second-round grade. Playing with Condona and Haugh could help him the same way it helped Walter Clayton Jr."Viewed as a second-round pick just a month ago, Boogie Fland will have a better chance to sell himself next season with Florida. He's in a good spot to focus on playmaking for teammates, though scouts will still want to see more efficiency finishing around the basket. Otherwise, Fland should still look like an appealing change-of-pace guard prospect with translatable creativity and shotmaking."
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