GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the NBA title on Sunday, guided by head coach Mark Daigneault, who previously spent three seasons (2010–14) as part of the Florida men’s basketball staff. The championship roster also includes Gator alum DeVon Walker (2012–16), now serving as the Thunder’s director of advance scouting and player analyst.
During their time in Gainesville, both Daigneault and Walker contributed to two SEC championship runs (2013, 2014) and Florida’s Final Four appearance in 2014.
"This was a dream for everybody here at one point in our lives," Daigneault said in his postgame TV interview Sunday. "There was one point where we didn't know if we were going to be in the NBA, from players to staff to coaches, and it's a privilege we're incredibly grateful for."
The NBA Finals had a strong Gator presence on both sides of the court. In addition to Oklahoma City’s championship run, the Indiana Pacers featured two Florida alumni: Andrew Nembhard, who played at UF from 2018–20 and averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 assists across 67 games, and Mike Weinar, a former Gators team manager (2004–08) now serving as an assistant coach for the Pacers.
Florida’s connection to NBA championship glory continues, marking the second consecutive season with Gator ties to the title. In 2024, Al Horford helped lead Boston to victory, and in 2022, Chris Chiozza was part of Golden State’s championship run. With Oklahoma City’s latest win, Florida alumni have now been linked to three of the last four NBA champions.
Now an OKC Thunder staff member, DeVon Walker was part of Florida's 2014 Final Four team.
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After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome. Season ticket packages for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
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