Former Florida Gators Celebrate NBA Glory as Part of Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 Championship Staff

The 2025 NBA Finals concluded in thrilling fashion, marking a historic moment for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a proud milestone for the University of Florida basketball program. As the confetti rained down and celebrations erupted inside Paycom Center, two former Florida Gators quietly savored the pinnacle of professional basketball—not as players, but as vital members of the Thunder’s championship-winning staff.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory over the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought six-game series was the franchise’s first NBA title since relocating from Seattle and rebranding in 2008. While superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams deservedly grabbed the headlines, behind the scenes, the fingerprints of the Florida Gators program were evident. Former Gators standout Anthony Roberson, serving as an assistant coach, and Taurean Green, in his role as player development coordinator, both lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in their careers.

For Roberson and Green, this championship represents the latest chapter in journeys deeply rooted in Gainesville, Florida—a place where their basketball dreams first took flight. Their paths from collegiate success under legendary coach Billy Donovan to contributing on the NBA’s grandest stage highlight the enduring influence of Florida basketball and its culture of excellence.

Anthony Roberson, remembered by Gators fans for his sharpshooting and explosive scoring ability in the early 2000s, carved out an impressive collegiate legacy before embarking on a professional career that spanned the NBA, Europe, and beyond. Though his playing days in the league were brief, Roberson’s basketball IQ and understanding of the game translated seamlessly to coaching. After years of honing his craft at the collegiate and developmental levels, Roberson found a home on the Thunder staff, working under head coach Mark Daigneault—a fellow product of the Florida basketball pipeline.

Roberson’s role in shaping Oklahoma City’s perimeter-oriented, high-paced offensive attack has drawn praise from within league circles. The Thunder’s ability to space the floor, generate quality looks from beyond the arc, and empower young players to thrive is a testament to a coaching staff that emphasizes fundamentals, player development, and modern basketball principles. Roberson’s influence on the Thunder’s guards, particularly the emerging star Jalen Williams and floor general Josh Giddey, has been evident throughout the season and into the Finals.

Meanwhile, Taurean Green’s contributions have been more behind the scenes but no less critical to Oklahoma City’s ascension. A two-time NCAA champion with the Gators in 2006 and 2007, Green epitomized toughness, leadership, and poise during Florida’s golden era under Donovan. His understanding of what it takes to win at the highest levels of basketball has proven invaluable in his role developing the Thunder’s young core.

Green’s position as a player development coordinator requires a unique blend of technical expertise, communication skills, and the ability to connect with today’s generation of NBA talent. By all accounts, Green has excelled in fostering relationships, improving skill sets, and instilling championship habits within Oklahoma City’s locker room. His fingerprints can be seen on the continued growth of Holmgren, whose versatility and defensive prowess were critical in neutralizing Boston’s potent frontcourt during the Finals.

For both Roberson and Green, this championship also serves as a poignant reminder of their roots with the Florida Gators. Though separated by a few years in Gainesville, their shared experiences within a program defined by discipline, competitiveness, and player development laid the foundation for their success. Florida basketball’s emphasis on accountability, preparation, and adaptability has long produced winners, and now that influence extends to NBA sidelines.

Their journey from Gator greats to NBA champions mirrors the broader legacy of Florida basketball alums making their mark at the highest levels of the sport. From Joakim Noah to Al Horford, Corey Brewer to Udonis Haslem, and now to coaches like Roberson and Green, the program’s impact reverberates across professional basketball landscapes.

In many ways, this Thunder championship feels like a full-circle moment for the Florida faithful. The University of Florida’s deep ties to Oklahoma City basketball are well-documented, particularly through Billy Donovan’s coaching tenure with the Thunder from 2015 to 2020. Donovan’s time in OKC laid the groundwork for the franchise’s player development emphasis and modern strategic approach, which current head coach Mark Daigneault—a Donovan disciple—has expanded upon.

Roberson and Green’s success with the Thunder represents the latest chapter in that ongoing connection, bridging generations of Gators and solidifying their place in NBA history. Beyond personal accolades, their championship serves as an inspiration for current and future Florida players, reminding them that the lessons learned in Gainesville extend far beyond the hardwood of Exactech Arena.

For Oklahoma City, this title marks the culmination of years of patient roster building, strategic drafting, and relentless internal development. The franchise’s commitment to cultivating talent from within, evident in the rise of Holmgren, Giddey, and Williams, has been complemented by a coaching staff adept at maximizing potential and fostering chemistry. Roberson and Green’s fingerprints are firmly embedded in that culture, helping transform promising young players into battle-tested contributors on basketball’s biggest stage.

The NBA Finals themselves delivered no shortage of drama and intrigue. Facing a veteran-laden Celtics squad led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Thunder’s youthful exuberance and depth proved decisive. OKC’s swarming defense, fluid ball movement, and timely shot-making overwhelmed Boston in pivotal moments, culminating in a Game 6 victory on home court that sent the Thunder faithful into euphoria.

Amid the celebrations, Roberson and Green shared quiet moments of reflection. For Roberson, the championship represents validation of a lifelong commitment to the game—a journey that began on the playgrounds of Michigan, matured in the raucous SEC arenas, and culminated in an NBA title. For Green, it’s another crowning achievement in a career defined by winning, leadership, and steady progression.

The significance of this milestone isn’t lost on the Florida basketball community either. Social media buzzed with congratulatory messages from former teammates, coaches, and Gator fans, all reveling in the success of their own. Florida’s impact on the NBA Finals stage, both on the court and behind the bench, is a point of pride for a program that has produced champions at every level.

Looking ahead, Roberson and Green’s influence within the Thunder organization is only expected to grow. Their unique combination of playing pedigree, coaching acumen, and championship experience positions them as key figures in Oklahoma City’s quest to build a sustained dynasty. With a talented, youthful roster and a coaching staff steeped in basketball tradition, the Thunder appear poised for long-term contention—and the Gator connection remains a vital part of that blueprint.

As the parade rolls through the streets of Oklahoma City and the franchise celebrates its long-awaited NBA title, two former Florida Gators quietly savor the moment, knowing their fingerprints are etched into the fabric of this historic achievement. From Gainesville to the NBA summit, Anthony Roberson and Taurean Green have proven that the Gator legacy knows no boundaries—and that championship DNA never fades.