Florida forward Thomas Haugh, a 6-foot-9 first-team All-SEC performer and consensus second-team All-American, has another year of eligibility remaining. That means returning to Gainesville isn’t completely off the table for the 22-year-old, but he is expected to make the leap to the NBA. Last year, that might not have seemed likely. Haugh was a good player for a Gators team that won the NCAA Tournament in 2025, averaging 9.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. However, he was mostly viewed as a high-motor guy, capable of swinging games with his energy and intensity. Well, not anymore. Haugh is still a tenacious competitor, but he now has an NBA skill set — and one that smart front offices will value immensely. 

Florida’s 2025-26 season ended in disappointing fashion, as the defending champions lost to Iowa in the second round of March Madness. However, Haugh’s year was outstanding as he averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Haugh also made 1.7 threes per game, essentially doubling his number from 2024-25. He did all of that while being the leader of an elite Gators team. 

The dirty work is where you need to start with Haugh. He’s fearless around the basket and his timing is impeccable. That allows him to either secure boards, tip them out to teammates, or even draw fouls. Over three years in Gainesville, Haugh proved to be an elite offensive rebounder — while also gobbling up defensive rebounds. 

Haugh’s effort level, along with a good mix of size, instincts, and athleticism, also makes him a versatile defender. He moves his feet well, he doesn’t give up on plays, and he’s generally in the right spots. Throughout his time in The Swamp, Haugh was able to adequately cover both forward spots. He was also capable of stepping out and guarding the perimeter in short spurts, which is impressive considering he was also able to size up and play as a small-ball five. 

There’s just so much that Haugh is able to do to impact games in ways that other players don’t really care to — on both ends of the floor. That will win over NBA decision-makers. However, Haugh’s expanding offensive game is what makes him an intriguing lottery-level talent. 

Haugh likely could have been picked somewhere in the second round if he simply brought last year’s game to the table, but his improved jumper has unlocked some intriguing upside. Haugh still has a lot of work to do as 32.6% on three-pointers is far short of being credible. However, he attempted 5.2 triples per game as a junior, displaying some real confidence as a stretch big. He was also just very decisive about letting shots fly, making it clear that this is a real part of his game now. Haugh also has a decent-looking shot when looking at the mechanics, plus he’s a 77.4% free throw shooter. All of that bodes well as we try to project whether there’s more improvement coming down to the pipeline. The same also goes for his good touch in the paint. 

If Haugh is able to adequately space the floor, you’re suddenly talking about a player that defends multiple spots, makes his presence felt on the glass, and knocks down the most important shot in basketball. That’s a high-level rotation piece in the NBA. Haugh is also a player that really understands how to score as a cutter, he’s dangerous in transition, and he’s a good decision-maker as a passer. That makes him a low-maintenance player that can fit with any lineup, and guys that can make impacts without needing the ball will always find their way on the floor. 

Haugh is just the definition of a winner, making it hard to worry too much about how his game will translate to the pros. There will be some nitpicks throughout the draft process, as Haugh is an older prospect that currently feels like a bit of a tweener when trying to forecast what position he’ll play. However, in the grand scheme of things, those concerns feel very small. Haugh is active, athletic, and switchable defensively, and he’s continuing to better himself offensively. Simply put, guys like Haugh stick. And if he does end up slowly increasing his three-point percentage, he should be a player that plays a long time in the NBA — and makes a nice chunk of change doing so.