It was game five of the NBA Finals, and with the Boston Celtics having all but wrapped up the Championship, they subbed out former Gator Al Horford with just over two minutes remaining. This was done intentionally, as to allow the crowd to give a standing ovation to the 17-year veteran who warmly cheered him on as he walked to the bench with both hands raised to the sky. After a lengthy NBA career, he finally got his Championship ring.
Horford is one of the most popular Florida basketball players of all time, and it was a delight to Gator fans to see him add an NBA Championship to his illustrious career. It was also a good time to remember some former Florida greats, and check in to how some players are now doing in their professional careers.
If you haven’t been keeping up, here is a rundown of where a bunch of Gators are now playing and how they performed in the 2023-24 season.
Al Horford, as previously mentioned, just won a Championship with the Boston Celtics playing a key role as a leader, defender, and ball mover on the offensive end. He averaged 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
Bradley Beal had a somewhat frustrating year with injuries with the Phoenix Suns, but still averaged 18.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game as the highest scoring former Gator.
Dorian Finney-Smith played for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists–building a reputation for himself as one of the most versatile forward defenders in the league.
Andrew Nembhard was one of the biggest stories among young players in the league, starting key playoff games for the Indiana Pacers and putting up excellent numbers, averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game in the regular season.
Tre Mann took a big step in his career going to the Charlotte Hornets where he now has a bigger role, averaging 9.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Much to the delight of Florida fans everywhere, Keyontae Johnson was able to make his NBA debut, appearing in 9 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Alex Fudge was also able to get an opportunity with the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA’s Western Conference Championships. He appeared in 6 games.
Colin Castleton had a massive year in the G League as one of the top centers, earning himself a chance with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, he appeared in 16 NBA games.
It’s not just the NBA where former Gators are playing high-level basketball, as many are having huge success overseas.
In what is nothing short of an incredible accomplishment, Scottie Wilbekin and Nick Calathes are two of the best and highest earning players in Europe, and they happen to be teammates in Turkey for powerhouse Fenerbahce. Fenerbachce had an incredible season, reaching the Final Four of the Euroleague–the top basketball competition in the world outside of the NBA.
Kevarrius Hayes also played for a Euroleague team–Lithuania’s Zalgiris. Hayes is known as one of the top defenders in Europe, but has also become a threat in the pick and roll game that has allowed him to have an incredible career so far.
Another Euroleague player is Chris Chiozza, who chose to go to Baskonia in Spain instead of bouncing around the G League. He is one of the best playmakers in Europe, as well as an absolute pest guarding the ball as has been the case since Florida.
Also in Spain is Devin Robinson who has had a number of great seasons playing for BAXI Manresa.
Somehow, Alex Tyus continues to hang around some of the top programs in Europe despite getting older. While he might not be the Euroleague caliber player he once was, he is still playing in the outstanding Israeli league for Hapoel Jerusalem–perennially one of the top teams in that league.
John Egbunu once played for Hapoel Jerusalem but is now in China, playing for the Ningbo Rockets. A player that once thought his career could be over due to a knee injury, he has been able to play a number of excellent years for great teams around the world. Another player in China is Kenny Boynton who plays for the Sichuan Blue Whales, and continues to be a walking bucket no matter what age or in what league.
Casey Prather chose to focus on the Australian market, a move that has been extremely successful as he has perennially been one of the top earners in that league. He has been on multiple teams, but most recently wrapped up a season playing for the Brisbane Bullets.
Will Yeguete has been in his home country of France, playing in the top league last year for Le Mans Sarthe Basket. Also in France is Tyree Appleby who has had immediate success for Limoges.
In terms of G League players, you’ve got Scottie Lewis (Salt Lake City Stars), Michael Frazier (G League Ignite), Anthony Duruji (Rip City Remix), and Chris Walker (Osceola Magic).
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all former Gators playing professionally, but I hope you enjoyed seeing where some of these players have taken their careers since their time in Gainesville.