Former Florida Gators Star Transforms Into Brooklyn Nets’ Summer League Revelation With Explosive Two-Way Performance in Las Vegas

In the midst of a crowded Summer League filled with highly touted draft picks and G-League hopefuls, one name has quietly—and then emphatically—risen above expectations: former Florida Gators standout Riley Kugel. Overlooked in the 2024 NBA Draft and signed by the Brooklyn Nets as an undrafted free agent, Kugel has transformed into one of the most eye-catching stories of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, emerging not just as a feel-good surprise, but as a legitimate roster contender.

Kugel, who declared for the draft following an uneven sophomore season at Florida, arrived in Vegas with little fanfare. He had flashed potential in Gainesville—a slashing 6-foot-5 guard with explosive athleticism and a developing jumper—but consistency often eluded him, and questions surrounded his shot selection and defensive engagement. NBA teams passed him over in June, viewing him as a project rather than a polished pro.

That narrative, however, has undergone a complete rewrite thanks to what Kugel has done in Vegas.

Through five games with the Nets’ Summer League squad, Kugel is averaging 17.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 48% from the field and a surprising 41% from three-point range. He’s shown composure under pressure, creating for others in pick-and-roll situations, confidently rising up off the dribble, and getting stops on the defensive end—something that wasn’t always a staple of his college game.

But more than the numbers, it’s the eye test that has scouts and coaches taking a second look. Kugel’s athleticism jumps off the screen, but it’s been his decision-making and defensive effort that have turned heads. In a July 14 matchup against the Knicks’ Summer League team, he tallied 21 points, six assists, and three steals—most of them coming against projected NBA rotation players. And in crunch time, he was the guy with the ball in his hands.

“Riley’s been terrific,” said Nets Summer League head coach Trevor Hendry. “He’s locked in, he’s doing everything we’ve asked. He’s competing on both ends, and the growth he’s shown since day one of camp has been impressive. He’s got a real shot at making noise in our system.”

That shot might come sooner rather than later. The Nets, who are in the midst of a retooling phase following the trades of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, are seeking young talent that can contribute immediately and grow with the franchise. Kugel fits that mold perfectly: young, moldable, and clearly hungry.

For Kugel, this Summer League run is more than just a surprise—it’s a statement. After his freshman year at Florida, many projected him as a future first-round pick. He was electric at times, particularly in transition, and drew comparisons to guards like Anfernee Simons and Josh Green. But his sophomore season never quite delivered on that hype. He averaged 9.2 points per game—down from 9.9 as a freshman—and saw his efficiency dip. Rumors of internal friction and confidence issues swirled, and his draft stock sank.

Still, the talent never left. Those who followed his high school career at Dr. Phillips in Orlando or watched him closely at Florida knew he had the tools—he just needed the right setting and development curve.

“I had to take a step back and really reflect,” Kugel said after his breakout game against the Knicks. “Not getting drafted hurt, I’m not gonna lie. But I knew I had more to prove. I didn’t come here to just be another guy. I came here to show I belong.”

That chip on his shoulder has shown up in his play. Kugel has attacked defenders with purpose, making strong drives to the rim, drawing contact, and finishing through it. He’s also displayed more playmaking instincts than he showed at Florida, often initiating the offense and making the right reads out of double teams or blitzes.

Perhaps most encouraging has been his improved shooting stroke. In Gainesville, Kugel struggled to consistently knock down jumpers, often relying on his athleticism to create looks. But in Vegas, his mechanics have looked smoother, and his confidence has soared. That 41% clip from beyond the arc isn’t just a fluke—it’s a reflection of hard work.

Nets GM Sean Marks was non-committal when asked about Kugel’s future after the third game of Summer League, but his tone hinted at optimism.

“You always hope a guy seizes the moment, and Riley’s done that,” Marks said. “He’s put himself on our radar in a serious way. These games matter, and so does everything behind the scenes—practice, film work, attitude. He’s checking a lot of boxes.”

Brooklyn already has a logjam at the guard spots, with rising star Cam Thomas, defensive standout Dennis Smith Jr., and former first-rounder Jalen Wilson all vying for backcourt roles. But Kugel’s versatility—he can guard ones, twos, and even some threes—makes him an intriguing piece for a team needing two-way depth.

It’s not lost on Kugel how far he’s come in just a few weeks. From the disappointment of draft night to now being one of the most talked-about undrafted rookies in the league, the transformation has been swift.

“My family’s kept me grounded,” he said. “I’ve had to work for everything, and nothing’s gonna be handed to me. But I feel like I’m just getting started.”

Kugel’s journey is resonating not only in Brooklyn but back in Gainesville, where Florida fans have followed his Summer League rise with pride. Several former teammates and Gators coaches have posted support for him on social media, calling his breakout “well-deserved” and “long overdue.”

It’s a feel-good story, sure, but also a reminder of how thin the line can be between prospect and pro. In a league filled with expectations and fleeting opportunities, Kugel has taken control of his narrative—and maybe, just maybe, carved out a future in the NBA.

Veteran NBA analyst Fran Fraschilla, who’s been covering Summer League for over a decade, put it simply during ESPN’s broadcast: “Every year, a guy comes out of nowhere. This year, that guy might just be Riley Kugel.”

That sentiment is starting to spread. Multiple outlets have listed Kugel as one of the top “rising stock” players of the Summer League. Social media has taken notice too, with highlight reels of his dunks and crossovers gaining thousands of views. And behind the scenes, league sources suggest that other teams are already inquiring about his status with Brooklyn.

Still, Kugel is staying grounded.

“Nothing’s guaranteed. I’ve got to keep grinding,” he said after practice on July 20. “This doesn’t mean I’ve made it. It just means I’ve got people watching now—and I’ve got to keep proving them right.”

The Nets’ coaching staff has already praised his professionalism, noting that he’s often one of the first players in the gym and one of the last to leave. He’s reportedly bonded quickly with teammates and embraced his role, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench.

“He plays with purpose,” teammate Noah Clowney said. “You can tell he’s here for more than just a tryout. He’s trying to win, and he’s trying to stick.”

There’s still time left in Vegas, and Kugel knows every possession counts. With each game, he inches closer to a two-way deal—or possibly even a full roster spot.

If he does land one, it’ll be a testament to grit, patience, and self-belief.

From the Swamp to Sin City, Riley Kugel’s basketball story has taken a thrilling new chapter—and this time, the league is watching.