Florida men’s basketball head coach Todd Golden has been selected for the Naismith College Coach of the Year Watch List, as announced Friday by the Naismith Awards.
The Gators, currently ranked No. 2, hold a 23-3 record in Golden’s third season leading the program. This year has been highlighted by two victories over No. 1-ranked opponents, making Florida just the fifth team in college basketball history to defeat two different top-ranked teams in the same season. Those two wins also equal the program’s total number of victories against No. 1 teams prior to this year.
Florida went undefeated in nonconference play at 13-0, marking the second-best start in school history. The team is riding a five-game SEC winning streak, its longest since 2019. Statistically, the Gators lead the conference in fastbreak scoring at 17.1 points per game (fourth nationally) and hold a +17.4 scoring margin (fifth nationally).
Golden’s recognition comes alongside several honors for his players. Walter Clayton Jr. has been named to the Naismith Midseason Team, the Wooden Late Midseason Top 20, and the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Midseason Watch List. Alijah Martin earned a spot on the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Midseason Watch List. Alex Condon has twice been named SEC Player of the Week, while Will Richard received Dick Vitale’s National Player of the Week award.
Florida’s next game is Saturday at LSU, tipping off at 6 p.m. on SEC Network.
Season Tickets
Deposits for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available. Fans can secure seats at Exactech Arena with a $100 deposit per seat. Once tickets officially go on sale, deposit holders will be contacted to complete their purchase. Click here to place your deposit today.
Returning season ticket holders from 2024-25 do not need to place a deposit, as their seats are reserved and renewal details will be provided.
Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List
- Greg Gard, Wisconsin
- Dennis Gates, Missouri
- Todd Golden, Florida
- Penny Hardaway, Memphis
- Tom Izzo, Michigan State
- Pat Kelsey, Louisville
- Dusty May, Michigan
- Grant McCasland, Texas Tech
- Ben McCollum, Drake
- Matt Painter, Purdue
- Bruce Pearl, Auburn
- Rick Pitino, St. John’s
- Richard Pitino, New Mexico
- Kelvin Sampson, Houston
- Jon Scheyer, Duke
