Florida has Draymond Green to thank for Thomas Haugh’s return to college

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If Florida wins the national championship next season, Draymond Green should get a ring.

The Golden State Warriors forward was instrumental in convincing Gators star Thomas Haugh to postpose his NBA future and stay in school another year.

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Haugh re-signed with Florida after teammate and close friend Alex Condon did the same, and following a conversation with Green. Center Rueben Chinyelu, meanwhile, is going through the NBA draft process with an eye on rejoining Haugh and Condon in Gainesville for another title run.

“They’re all boys, and they all want to be together,” coach Todd Golden said.

Golden will be around, too.

“I’m definitely planning on coaching the Gators,” said Golden, who reportedly would be a target for the Warriors if coach Steve Kerr does not return.

The return of Haugh and Condon makes it unlikely that Golden would jump to the NBA. But keeping that door open could help his contract negotiations with Florida, which already said it plans on rewarding Golden with another raise and an extension.

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Florida might consider sending at least a thank you card Green’s way.

Former Florida guard and current Warriors rookie Will Richard organized a conversation between Haugh and Green in which the first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection “was asking about the NBA and all these different things,” Golden said.

“I think Draymond gave him great perspective on what life in the NBA is like and what life in college is like and how enjoyable it is,” Golden added. “And it allowed him to be like, ‘All right, the NBA, not sounding arrogant, but it will be there for him.’ It’s going to be there.

“And he only has one more opportunity to be at Florida. So they had a great conversation, and I think that got him kind of thinking.”

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Golden waited for Haugh to finish vacationing in Hawaii with his girlfriend before setting up a meeting in Los Angeles. Golden flew out with assistant coaches Carlin Hartman and Jonathan Safir, watched Haugh go through an offseason workout and then sat down for lunch when Haugh delivered the news.

“All of…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/florida-draymond-green-thank-thomas-191253257.html

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Publish date : 2026-04-22 19:12:00

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