Thomas Haugh of the Florida Gators caught my attention early in his sophomore 2024-2025 season. The 6-9 combo forward had a special feel for the game and an intense approach to it.
Yes, he had size, athleticism and skill, but more than anything that impressed me was the intention of Haugh’s play. It was special. It was focused. Bottom line – it was uniquely competitive and unassuming. I felt like I was watching a player with above average marks in basketball categories, but also had synergistic effect because of his intelligent and unselfish competitiveness.
So as last season continued, Haugh only improved and helped lead Florida to a National Championship as an ultimate glue guy morphing into a top level playmaker. Haugh came back to Florida for his junior season and has only continued to improve. He is playing primarily the three (great development for his NBA career) with some time at what I consider his best college position the four. Now he is considered a consensus mid first round pick, and I would argue, on the cusp NBA Draft Top 10 pick.
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Thomas Haugh Vitals
• 22 years old; from New Oxford, Pennsylvania; Junior at Florida; Combo forward; 6-9; 215-pounds
Thomas Haugh Stats
• 17.4 points per game; 6.6 rebounds per game; 2.2 assists per game; 1.8 turnovers per game; 0.8 blocks per game; 1.0 steals per game
• 47.8 percent shooting from the field; 34.4 percent shooting from three (31-90); 75 percent from the free throw line (69-92)
• 17 games played averaging 33.9 minutes per game
Thomas Haugh Positive Attributes
Improvement over course of college career:
The statistics this season are impressive, but the statistical improvement curve over his three college seasons is even more impressive. Minutes per game has gone from 14.7 pg as a freshman to 24.5 pg as a sophomore to 33.9 pg as a junior. Points per game has risen from 3.9 to 9.8 to 17.4. And 3-point percentage, a key stat for Haugh as a NBA prospect, has gone from 25.5 percent (0.3-1.3) as a freshman, to 34 percent (0.9-2.6) as a sophomore, and as a junior his 34.4 percent (1.8-5.3).
His improvement curve is impressive and has some longevity left to it.
Versatility:
Because of Haugh’s impressive combination of length, athleticism, intelligence, and aggression, he is a multi statistical impact player, can play inside or outside, and can guard all five positions. His offensive skills project quite well to the NBA, but his versatile defensive abilities are a game changer for a NBA prospect.
Fit:
Haugh does not require multiple touches to impact the game. For sure, he impacts the game on his touches. But he is not terminal. He is fine being a high level conduit. He is also adept at enhancing play while without the basketball. With a tremendous Basketball IQ and relentless motor, Haugh is constantly impacting the game with the intent of winning.
Thomas Haugh Room For Improvement
• Needs to add mass for the NBA, which should be easily doable.
• Long range shooting must continue to improve.
• Doesn’t have a lot of wiggle on the bounce; however, he does handle the ball efficiently and is a plus attacker of the basket with his right hand. In the end, his projected NBA role is not looking for heavy playmaking off the dribble.
Eval Conclusion
Along with Tyler Tanner of Vanderbilt, Haugh is one of my two personal favorite college basketball players. Not sure what that is worth, but it is worth something. Haugh is a winner. He plays with a mental and physical intent of winning. The length, athleticism, and skill level are there to make me want Haugh on my team.
The lead national recruiting scout for Rivals.com and 247sports.com for a 20-year span, Jerry Meyer grew up in basketball as the son of legendary coach Don Meyer. Jerry set the all-time career assist record for college basketball (1,314) and was a two-time Mr. Basketball in Tennessee. He coached at the pro and high school level, was previously an assistant at Vanderbilt and co-authored “Basketball Skills and Drills”.
Editor’s Pick
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