Florida Gators Men's Basketball Roster Updates

Following a Round of 32 loss to Iowa in the 2025-26 season, Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden is focused on building the roster for the 2026-27 season. Several players have already committed to returning, while others are evaluating their options.

Players Returning to Gainesville

Walter Clayton Jr.

Walter Clayton Jr. has announced he will return for his junior season at Florida on March 26. He averaged 11.6 points and shot a career-high 44.7% from the field last season. Clayton expressed his desire to continue contributing to the team, stating, “I didn’t love how everything ended, and I feel like there’s still some unfinished business. With the staff, we’re excited for year two of being a Gator.”

Aleksandar Klavzar

Aleksandar Klavzar will also return for his junior season. He provided a valuable spark off the bench, shooting 40.6% from three-point range and averaging 9.6 points per game. Klavzar shared his enthusiasm for remaining a Gator: “I love the coaching staff, my teammates — just living in Gainesville has probably been one of the best times of my life.”

Micah Handlogten

Micah Handlogten has submitted a waiver to the NCAA for another year of eligibility. He initially forfeited a medical redshirt in 2025 and played a key role off the bench in 2026. Handlogten stated he is preparing for the offseason “as if I don’t have any more years of eligibility,” and averaged 3.8 points per game last season.

Thomas Haugh

Thomas Haugh, Florida’s leading scorer, is likely to enter the NBA Draft and remain in the draft. He is considered a strong candidate to be a first-round pick.

Julian Riley

Julian Riley has chosen to return for his junior season on March 27. He averaged 5.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game. Riley stated, “I chose to come here my freshman year, and there’s no reason to quit on the school. It’s only been blessings since I’ve been here.”

Jalen Reed

After medically redshirting last season due to a shoulder injury, Jalen Reed is expected to be a key contributor next season. He is the older brother of Isaiah Brown and shared his excitement about playing alongside him: “And then also being with my brother and spending a lot of time with him, growing closer. That’s probably the closest we’ve ever been.”

Kadeem Lloyd

Kadeem Lloyd will return for his sophomore season. Despite limited playing time, his shooting potential offers an opportunity for increased contribution next season. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Dominic Mikic

Rising junior Dominic Mikic has two years of eligibility remaining and will provide depth for the team.

William Lay

William Lay, standing at 7 feet tall, signed with Florida in November and provides valuable length to the frontcourt. The team is awaiting draft decisions from Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu.

Players Departing or Undecided

Zyon Pullin

Zyon Pullin has exhausted his collegiate eligibility after averaging 11.6 points and 4.2 assists per game during his time at Princeton and Florida.

Babacar Diallo

Babacar Diallo entered the NBA Draft last offseason but returned for his junior season. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and field goal percentage. He is considering declaring for the draft again to gain feedback.

Ruben Chinyelu

Ruben Chinyelu is awaiting a decision on his NBA draft status.

Langston Wilson

Langston Wilson transferred from Florida with three years of eligibility remaining on March 31. He averaged 0.6 points per game and set multiple NCAA records due to his height.

CJ Ingram

Rising sophomore CJ Ingram has not yet announced his future plans but is expected to compete for a starting spot on the wing if he returns.

Jude Josefsburg

Walk-on Jude Josefsburg scored his first career points this season and has one year of eligibility remaining but has not announced his plans.