Florida basketball's Thomas Haugh expected to start at small forward in 2025 season
Florida basketball head coach Todd Golden made it clear during a Monday appearance on The Field of 68 podcast: Thomas Haugh is stepping into a major role for the Florida Gators next season.
Golden revealed that Haugh is expected to start at the three-spot for the Gators next season–provided forward Alex Condon returns for his junior year.
"Tommy (Haugh) is the consummate teammate, the consummate winner," Golden said. "He came off the bench for us, and then when Condo (Condon) went down with an (ankle injury) in the middle of the year, he stepped into a starting role and played fantastic. And obviously, Tommy didn't start for us but he finished most games for us."
Haugh, a 6-foot-9-inch forward from New Oxford, Pennsylvania, averaged 9.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 40 games played during the 2024-25 season. He shot 48.5 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three-point range.
Haugh also logged incredible performances late in the season, including a career-high 20 points and 11 rebounds against Texas Tech during the NCAA Tournament.
Golden noted that if Condon returns, the Gators plan to start Haugh at the three, Condon at the four and rotate on of their bigs at the five to create matchup problems for opponents.
"We hope that we get (Tommy's) running mate back (Condon), and if we do, we'll start Tommy at the three, Condo at the four and of the other bigs at the five, and try to overpower people a little bit," Golden added. "Tommy, he's a definite NBA player. I'm really glad and fortunate that he's coming back for sure for the Gators next year."
Haugh, who posted double figures in 22 games this season and recorded five double-doubles, is expected to be one of Florida's top two-way players next season as the Gators push for another deep NCAA Tournament run.
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