Trio of Gators among college prospects primed to boost pro stock after returning to school
The latest to offer their prognostications is CBS Sports writer Cameron Salerno, who published his list of 10 college prospects primed to boost pro stock after returning to school for next season. Among those names were a trio of Florida Gators, in junior forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon (who also plays center), as well as recent transfer portal addition, sophomore guard Boogie Fland.
Salerno's top-10 list focuses specifically on players who shunned the draft to return to college who project as potential first-round picks next summer. Of course, these predictions are predicated on the assumption that there will be improvements in performance this season.
Thomas Haugh
"While putting together my first mock draft of the cycle in April, I initially had Haugh as a potential first-round candidate before he decided to return to Florida. That was without even going through the draft process. I'm here to tell you: buy all the stock you can in Florida's star forward," Salerno begins.
"Haugh shined during Florida's NCAA Tournament run because he does all the little things. He's a great offensive rebounder, can stretch the floor and makes winning plays. His archetype is one NBA decision-makers covet," he continues.
"Don't be surprised if Haugh is a lottery pick next summer. He has a chance to be an All-America candidate if things go well."
Alex Condon
"Condon made the right decision to return to school after his play during the NCAA Tournament failed to improve his stock," Salerno notes.
"Without a guarantee of going in the first round, Condon decided to run it back and solidified the best frontcourt in college basketball in the process. The two-way upside is what has my attention."
Boogie Fland
"The reigning national champions got a major boost to their repeat hopes by landing Fland. The Arkansas transfer got off to an incredible start in his freshman campaign before a thumb injury derailed his season during SEC play," he offers.
"Fland is a dynamic playmaker who can score at all three levels and his move to Florida is a perfect match for both sides. He was trending as a potential lottery pick before the injury."
Other college prospects primed to boost pro stock
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