Florida Gators Achieve Their Most Surprising NBA Draft Milestone Since Celebrating the School’s Historic Last National Championship Victory

The Florida Gators have long been recognized as a powerhouse in college basketball circles, known for producing NBA-ready talent, electrifying tournament runs, and cultivating a culture of competitive excellence in Gainesville. But despite their rich legacy, it’s been years since the Gators pulled off a particular milestone that once seemed like a routine part of the program’s success. That all changed during the 2025 NBA Draft, as Florida accomplished something shocking—it marked the first time since their last national championship season that multiple Gators were selected in the same NBA Draft.

The achievement may seem ordinary to fans of blue blood programs like Kentucky, Duke, or Kansas, but for Florida, it’s been a drought defined by inconsistency, roster turnover, and the changing landscape of college basketball. Now, with this year’s historic draft class, the Gators have reignited the flame of NBA-level production that was once synonymous with their name.

For context, Florida’s last NCAA men’s basketball national title came in 2007, a season etched into college basketball history thanks to the unforgettable back-to-back championship teams led by stars like Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer. That era didn’t just bring banners to Gainesville—it flooded the NBA Draft with Gators talent. In 2007 alone, three Florida players were selected in the top 10 picks, solidifying the program’s reputation as a factory for elite-level prospects.

Since then, the program has seen sporadic success in the draft, with individual players making the leap, but the magic of having multiple Gators hear their names called on draft night had inexplicably vanished. Until now.

The 2025 NBA Draft has officially broken that trend—and in dramatic fashion. Florida saw both Alijah Martin and Will Richard selected, sending a clear message to the basketball world: the Gators are back in the conversation as a legitimate producer of NBA talent.

Alijah Martin, the dynamic guard known for his electrifying athleticism and defensive tenacity, was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 39th overall pick. His journey to draft night has been one of grit, development, and perseverance. Originally seen as a raw prospect with untapped potential, Martin blossomed under the guidance of Florida’s coaching staff, evolving into a two-way threat capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.

Martin’s selection by the Raptors speaks volumes about how NBA scouts and executives have come to value versatility, defense, and high-motor players who can contribute immediately. Toronto, known for prioritizing player development and identifying hidden gems in the second round, views Martin as a perfect addition to their young core—a player capable of providing depth, energy, and upside.

While Martin’s selection thrilled Gators fans, the excitement didn’t stop there. Shortly after, Will Richard, Florida’s sharp-shooting wing, heard his name called by the Golden State Warriors with the 47th pick. Richard, regarded as one of the purest shooters in the SEC during his collegiate career, carved out a reputation as a floor-spacing weapon and a clutch performer under pressure.

The Warriors, with their well-documented love for perimeter shooting and off-ball movement, provide an ideal landing spot for Richard. His ability to stretch the floor, coupled with his defensive upside, makes him an intriguing fit in Golden State’s system—a franchise that has long valued players who can thrive in motion offenses and contribute to their championship DNA.

Together, Martin and Richard’s selections mark a significant turning point for the Gators. It represents the first time since 2007 that Florida produced multiple NBA Draft picks in the same year. That accomplishment isn’t just symbolic—it signals tangible progress for a program that has weathered coaching changes, player departures, and the ever-evolving challenges of the modern college basketball landscape.

For Florida’s head coach and staff, this draft success reflects years of tireless recruiting, player development, and a renewed commitment to building a competitive program capable of developing NBA-caliber talent. It also sends a powerful message to high school prospects and transfer portal players considering Florida as their next destination—the Gators can get you to the league.

Moreover, the timing of this milestone couldn’t be more impactful. College basketball is in the midst of a seismic shift, with NIL deals, transfer rules, and early draft declarations dramatically reshaping team rosters year to year. Amidst that uncertainty, Florida’s return to relevance in the NBA Draft provides stability, credibility, and momentum.

It also rekindles memories of the program’s golden era—the Billy Donovan years, when Florida dominated March Madness and left an indelible mark on the basketball world. During that time, it was routine to see Gators flood the draft stage, proudly representing Gainesville on basketball’s biggest platform.

While the current group isn’t drawing direct comparisons to the 2006 and 2007 championship teams just yet, their accomplishments offer a glimpse of what could be on the horizon. Martin and Richard’s success embodies the hard-nosed, blue-collar work ethic that Florida is striving to reestablish—a commitment to excellence that translates from the practice court to the pros.

NBA analysts have praised both selections, noting that Martin’s defensive potential and relentless motor align perfectly with the modern game’s demands, while Richard’s shooting prowess and off-ball awareness make him a natural fit for a Warriors team seeking to extend its championship window.

For Gators fans, this draft represents more than just two names on a selection board—it’s a symbol of resurgence, a tangible step toward reclaiming Florida’s place among college basketball’s elite. The significance is not lost on the players either. In post-draft interviews, both Martin and Richard expressed gratitude to the Florida coaching staff, their teammates, and the university for helping them reach this moment.

They also acknowledged the history attached to their achievement, understanding the legacy of players who came before them—the Noahs, the Horford’s, the Brewer’s—and the responsibility of carrying that tradition forward.

Looking ahead, the success of Martin and Richard could serve as a catalyst for Florida’s recruiting efforts, as top-tier prospects often gravitate toward programs with a proven track record of developing NBA-ready talent. In an era where exposure, draft stock, and professional readiness weigh heavily on recruitment decisions, Florida’s newfound draft success gives them a significant edge.

It’s also worth noting the ripple effect within the SEC. Florida’s accomplishment highlights the depth and competitiveness of the conference, showcasing that programs outside of the usual blue blood suspects are producing elite talent and impacting the NBA landscape.

As for Martin and Richard, their professional journeys are just beginning. But their success has already made history for Florida, ending a nearly two-decade drought and reminding the basketball world that the Gators remain a force to be reckoned with.

Their selections are more than a feel-good story—they’re a statement of intent. Florida basketball is charting its course back to national prominence, fueled by player development, draft success, and a hunger to return to the pinnacle of college basketball.

In the end, what Florida accomplished on NBA Draft night 2025 goes beyond statistics or individual accolades. It represents a milestone nearly 18 years in the making—a return to a standard of excellence set by champions and now reignited by a new generation of Gators determined to leave their mark on the sport’s grandest stage.