“GATORS ON THE RISE! — Four Former Florida Basketball Stars Land Spots on 2024 NBA Summer League Rosters, Showcasing Their Talent on the Pro Stage”
The University of Florida’s basketball legacy continues to grow as four former Gators have officially been named to 2024 NBA Summer League rosters, each embarking on a pivotal chapter in their professional journeys. For these athletes, this isn’t just another opportunity to play the game they love—it’s a chance to prove they belong in the NBA, to show scouts, executives, and coaches across the league that their time in Gainesville prepared them to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans looking for a resurgence to fresh faces fighting for a roster spot, this summer offers the promise of opportunity, redemption, and a renewed path toward their basketball dreams.
These four players—each with unique paths, skills, and aspirations—represent more than individual success stories. They embody the continued relevance and competitiveness of the Florida Gators men’s basketball program on a national stage. They stand as evidence that the culture cultivated in Gainesville not only breeds collegiate success but also instills the necessary tools for the next level. The NBA Summer League, which has become a crucial proving ground for fringe prospects, rookies, and international hopefuls, is now their battlefield. It’s where contracts are earned, careers are launched or revived, and reputations are either confirmed or challenged. And for the Gator faithful, it’s an exciting glimpse of how their beloved program continues to shape the future of basketball.
One of the most notable names among the quartet is former Gators guard Tre Mann. After a strong collegiate career under head coach Mike White, Mann entered the NBA as a first-round pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021. Known for his scoring instincts, smooth shooting, and confidence on the ball, Mann has shown flashes of brilliance in his early professional years but has also experienced the growing pains that come with finding consistency in the league. This Summer League stint is a chance for Mann to recalibrate, sharpen his skillset, and remind teams of his scoring punch. With the league increasingly valuing versatile guards who can both initiate offense and stretch the floor, Mann has every reason to believe that a strong showing could catapult him into a larger role—whether with his current team or a new one.
Then there’s Keyontae Johnson, whose story is one of courage, resilience, and redemption. Once a projected NBA lottery pick, Johnson’s career was derailed in December 2020 when he collapsed on the court during a game against Florida State. The terrifying medical emergency paused his basketball aspirations indefinitely, but Johnson never gave up. After eventually transferring to Kansas State and proving he could still play at a high level, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and spent time developing both physically and mentally for the demands of the pro game. His inclusion in the Summer League roster is a testament to his unbreakable spirit and his determination to not just return—but to thrive. Johnson’s game has always been built on athleticism, hustle, and a motor that never quits. This summer offers him a national platform to demonstrate that he’s ready for the next step.
Another Gator making waves is Colin Castleton, the towering center who made his mark in Gainesville with shot-blocking prowess and leadership in the paint. After going undrafted in 2023, Castleton signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and has spent the past year splitting time between the NBA and G League. His development has been closely monitored by the Lakers organization, which values his size, touch around the rim, and defensive instincts. Castleton’s participation in the Summer League is more than just another chance to get minutes—it’s a strategic opportunity to showcase the evolution of his game. With the Lakers undergoing roster changes and always looking for frontcourt depth, Castleton could earn a permanent roster spot with a strong showing. His journey from college star to NBA hopeful exemplifies the grind that many big men face, especially in today’s pace-and-space era.
Rounding out the group is Scottie Lewis, another former Gator with immense athleticism and defensive upside. Drafted in the second round in 2021 by the Charlotte Hornets, Lewis has faced a series of injuries and developmental hurdles that have slowed his progress. Still, his energy, length, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable commodity in a league that prizes versatility. Lewis’s inclusion in the Summer League roster signals both a vote of confidence and a last-chance audition. He’s no stranger to adversity, and his time at Florida was defined by his leadership and willingness to do the little things to help his team win. Now, he must channel that same grit and tenacity into a standout summer performance. For players like Lewis, Summer League is often make-or-break—a few standout games can earn a training camp invite, a two-way contract, or even a roster guarantee.
Beyond the individual storylines, the collective presence of these four former Gators in the 2024 NBA Summer League sends a strong message about Florida’s impact on the professional game. Despite facing stiff competition in a loaded SEC, the program continues to produce NBA-caliber talent that resonates beyond college basketball. From Joakim Noah and Al Horford to Bradley Beal and now this new crop, the Gators have maintained a pipeline to the pros that demands respect. It’s not just about churning out draft picks; it’s about equipping young men with the mentality, discipline, and toughness to navigate the unpredictable waters of professional basketball.
Summer League, often overlooked by casual fans, plays an outsized role in the career trajectories of hundreds of players each year. For general managers and scouts, it’s a goldmine of potential. For coaches, it’s a testing ground. For players, it’s a high-pressure audition. Every possession is evaluated. Every decision scrutinized. And every standout performance could be the difference between unemployment and a life-changing contract. For the four former Florida Gators, this environment isn’t foreign. They’ve played in packed SEC arenas, endured the grind of long seasons, and fought through adversity on and off the court. Now, the stakes are just different—but the goal remains the same: prove they belong.
Tre Mann’s path to reestablishing himself as a dynamic combo guard capable of leading a second unit or even starting on the right team starts now. His ability to score in bunches, combined with improved decision-making and defensive consistency, could reignite the intrigue that surrounded him on draft night. For Johnson, every rebound, fast break, and highlight dunk is a testament to his perseverance. He isn’t just fighting for a spot—he’s telling the world that his story is far from over. Castleton will aim to show that traditional big men can still have a place if they adapt and diversify their skillsets. Footwork, pick-and-roll coverage, and offensive polish will be under the microscope. And Lewis must once again become the high-motor, defensive ace that made him a Gator fan favorite, proving that hustle and heart are as valuable as any stat line.
As fans watch the NBA Summer League unfold, the Gator faithful will have their eyes glued to every game, every minute, every performance. Whether these players are throwing down dunks, contesting shots at the rim, or making the extra pass, they carry the pride of Gator Nation with them. Their journeys are personal, but their successes will always reflect back on the orange and blue. For every high school recruit wondering where to play, for every Gator fan cheering from afar, and for every former player who once dreamed of the league, these four athletes are living proof that Gainesville can be a launching pad for greatness.
While the NBA spotlight often shines brightest during the regular season and playoffs, the Summer League offers something raw and authentic—a glimpse of hunger, of dreams in motion, of futures being forged in real time. For Tre Mann, Keyontae Johnson, Colin Castleton, and Scottie Lewis, it’s more than just another summer. It’s a defining stretch in their careers. It’s a chance to etch their names into the next chapter of NBA history. And for Florida basketball, it’s one more reminder that the Gator standard isn’t just about banners in the O’Connell Center—it’s about building legacies that last well beyond the college hardwood.
As July rolls on and the games tip off, the storylines will be abundant. But for those who bleed orange and blue, the narrative is clear: the Gators are still rising, still fighting, and still making their mark on basketball’s biggest stage. And for these four young men, the dream is far from finished. It’s only just beginning—again.
