- Here is a detailed gallery-style narrative mapping notable former Florida Gators men’s basketball players and coaches who remain active in the 2025-26 NBA season — showcasing their transition from Gainesville to the professional ranks, their current roles, and what their presence means for the Gators’ basketball legacy.
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1. Players on NBA Opening-Day Rosters
The 2025-26 season sees nine former Florida Gators included on NBA opening day rosters — a considerable contingent that highlights the program’s recent output of professional talent.
Bradley Beal (Los Angeles Clippers)
One of the most high-profile Gators alumni, Beal now plays for the Clippers in the 2025–26 season. His presence reflects a prestigious “graduate” of the Florida system who continues to compete at an elite level in the NBA. While his prime years may be behind him, his veteran leadership and scoring ability remain assets.
Dorian Finney‑Smith (Houston Rockets)
Finney-Smith is another Florida alum now with the Rockets for the 2025-26 campaign. Known for his defensive versatility and three-and-D role, he exemplifies how Florida’s development system can produce NBA-ready role players who contribute beyond scoring.
Al Horford (Golden State Warriors)
Horford, a long-time NBA veteran and former Gators star, remains active in the league with the Warriors in 2025-26. His longevity underscores the enduring pathway from Florida to the highest levels of the game, and his veteran presence on a championship-contending roster keeps his legacy alive.
Tre Mann (Charlotte Hornets)
Entering his fifth NBA season, Tre Mann remains a Hornets player. He is a good example of a Florida player making his way through the NBA, striving for consistency and opportunity at the next level.
Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers)
Nembhard continues his professional career with the Pacers. His role may not headline the league, but his presence on an NBA roster demonstrates the depth of Florida’s alumni pipeline.
Walter Clayton Jr. (Utah Jazz)
One of the newest entrants, Clayton Jr. turned pro following the Florida national-championship run and enters the NBA with the Jazz in the 2025–26 season. His transition from college star to rookie in the league is a footprint of the current Gator model of success.
Alijah Martin (Toronto Raptors, two-way)
Martin secured a two-way deal with the Raptors for 2025-26, further expanding Florida’s representation in the NBA. He represents the newer wave of Gator talent making the leap.
Will Richard (Golden State Warriors)
Richard, another recent Florida national-championship contributor, enters the NBA ranks with the Warriors. His presence is a testament to how Florida’s 2025 title team produced pro-level talen
Castleton rounds out the nine former Gators active in the NBA for 2025–26, signing a two-way deal with the Magic. His role illustrates how Florida’s big-man development continues to yield NBA opportunities.
