Florida Gators sophomore forward Thomas Haugh has emerged as a breakout star in the 2024-2025 college basketball season, with his stellar play in the NCAA Tournament earning him significant NBA attention.
Nick Marcinko, a journalist covering UF athletics, shared on X that Bleacher Report projects Haugh as the No. 34 overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in their latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft.
The 6'9'' hybrid forward's rise comes on the heels of a career-defining performance in the Elite Eight, where he delivered a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Haugh hit several monster three-pointers late in the contest, helping the Gators erase a 10-point deficit to secure their first Final Four berth since 2014.
His ability to stretch the floor, combined with his rebounding and defensive prowess, has made him a standout. Haugh can dribble, pass, shoot, and defend multiple positions, bringing a high basketball IQ to every play.
Any NBA team looking to add a versatile big to their roster should look no further than Haugh. He plays the game with tremendous fluidity and will make instant contributions to whomever he joins.
While mock drafts are always subject to change, the fact that Haugh was featured in the latest one from Bleacher Report is a very good sign for his NBA future.
With the Gators set for a clash with the No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers in the Final Four on Saturday, look for Haugh to build off of his dazzling performance against the Red Raiders. With the Tigers posing a formidable frontcourt in Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell, Haugh's play can potentially be the difference maker.
Related: How Florida's Extraordinary Bond Led To Insane Comeback Vs. Texas Tech
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 1:53 PM.