Nine Gators Tip Off the NBA Season: Florida’s Pro Legacy Grows

Nine Gators Tip Off the NBA Season: Florida’s Pro Legacy Grows
October 21, 2025

October 21, 2025

Walter Clayton Jr. enters his rookie season with the Utah Jazz.

With three NBA Draft selections this year, the Gators head into the 2025-26 campaign featuring nine players on NBA opening day rosters.

Walter Clayton Jr.(Jazz), Alijah Martin (Raptors two-way) and Will Richard(Warriors) all entered the NBA following last season’s national championship run. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal (Clippers), Dorian Finney-Smith (Rockets) and Al Horford (Warriors) each joined new teams during the offseason.

Andrew Nembhard continues his tenure with the defending Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. Tre Mann begins his fifth NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets and Colin Castleton recently secured a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic.

Beyond the nine players set for the 2025-26 season, the Gators also feature numerous former players, coaches and staff members holding roles across NBA coaching staffs and front offices.

The NBA season opens Tuesday evening with Finney-Smith’s Rockets facing the Thunder, followed by Horford and Richard’s Warriors taking on the Lakers.

Gators on 2025-26 NBA Opening Day Rosters

Bradley Beal, Los Angeles Clippers

Colin Castleton, Orlando Magic (two-way)

Walter Clayton Jr., Utah Jazz

Dorian Finney-Smith, Houston Rockets

Al Horford, Golden State Warriors

Tre Mann, Charlotte Hornets

Alijah Martin, Toronto Raptors (two-way)

Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers

Will Richard, Golden State Warriors

2025-26 NBA Staff (Florida role)

Bennett Andersen, San Antonio Spurs, Operations Assistant (player/manager)

Corey Brewer, New Orleans Pelicans, Assistant Coach (player)

RC Buford, San Antonio Spurs, CEO (assistant coach)

Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder, Head Coach (assistant to the head coach)

Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls, Head Coach (head coach)

Billy Donovan III, Windy City Bulls, Head Coach (player)

Andrew Ford, Brooklyn Nets, Scouting Coordinator (manager)

Adam Glessner, San Antonio Spurs, Associate VP of Player Personnel (manager)

Jack May, Miami Heat, Video Room Intern (player)

Kenny McCraney, Miami Heat, Senior Director of Player Programs (assistant coach)

Schuyler Rimmer, Phoenix Suns, Assistant Coach (player)

Billy Schmidt, Chicago Bulls, Assistant Coach (assistant to the head coach)

Daniel Starkman, Atlanta Hawks, VP of Player Personnel (manager)

DeVon Walker, OKC Thunder, Director of Advance Scouting and Player Analyst (player)

Mike Weinar, Indiana Pacers, Assistant Coach (manager)

Ryan Winters, Brooklyn Nets, Pro Scout (manager)

Basketball player in blue jersey shoots over opponent in arena, crowd in background.

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