Here’s a comprehensive gallery of former Florida Gators men’s basketball players and coaches who remain active in the NBA for the 2025-26 season — an impressive testament to the Gators’ program and its professional impact.
Former Gator guard Bradley Beal remains a prominent name among Florida alumni in the NBA. Now with the Los Angeles Clippers, he continues his veteran-scorer role. As noted by the Gators website, he is one of nine former UF players appearing on NBA opening-day rosters for 2025-26.
The veteran center/forward Al Horford – a two-time NCAA champion with Florida in 2006 and 2007 – still competes in the NBA, now with the Golden State Warriors. His longevity and experience bring a unique dimension to the Gators-NBA connection.
Dorian Finney-Smith, who played at Florida from 2013-16, is noted for his defensive versatility and role in the NBA. For the 2025-26 season he is listed on Houston’s roster and is part of the list of nine former Gators appearing in NBA rosters.
Guard Tre Mann, a Florida alumnus, is entering his fifth NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets for 2025-26. His continued presence underscores UF’s ability to prepare players for sustained professional careers.
Andrew Nembhard, though his college career included time elsewhere after UF, is part of the Gators’ broad alumni footprint in the NBA. For 2025-26 he remains with the Indiana Pacers as part of that “nine Gators” group on opening day rosters.
Rising young Gator-alumnus Will Richard made the leap to the NBA in 2025, joining the Warriors. His inclusion in the 2025-26 rosters highlights how Florida continues to contribute fresh talent to the professional ranks.
Another recent Florida product, Alijah Martin, secured a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors for 2025-26. His journey from NCAA champion to the NBA underscores the program’s depth in producing pro-ready players.
Walter Clayton Jr., fresh off his role in Florida’s 2025 national title run, begins his rookie NBA season in 2025-26 with the Utah Jazz. He exemplifies the “next wave” of Gators transitioning to the pro game.
Colin Castleton, another Florida alum, signed a two-way deal with the Orlando Magic for the 2025-26 season, rounding out the nine active former Gators on NBA opening rosters.
10. Coaching & Front-Office Impact
Beyond players, Florida’s influence stretches into coaching and front-office roles. For example:
Billy Donovan, former Gators head coach, serves as head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
RC Buford works as CEO for the San Antonio Spurs.
The 2025-26 NBA season features nine former Florida Gators on opening-day rosters — a significant representation for any college program. This exhibit of alumni spans established veterans (Beal, Horford), key role-players (Finney-Smith, Mann, Nembhard), early-career talents (Richard, Martin, Clayton, Castleton), and extends into coaching/front-office influence.
For fans of the Gators, it offers a rich gallery of recognition: from college-court champions in Gainesville to professionals competing on the sport’s biggest stages. The program’s ability to develop talent that transitions into meaningful NBA careers is clearly highlighted here.
If you like, I can compile photos and short bios of each of these individuals — perfect for a presentation or gallery-style display. Would that be helpful?
