
Growing Beyond Tebow: Florida's Thomas Haugh Makes His Mark in Final Four Journey
Thomas Haugh, inspired by Tim Tebow, shines during Florida's NCAA Tournament run, showcasing remarkable performances and potential.
Florida star Thomas Haugh is living out the childhood dream of thousands, having grown up a fan of the Gators because of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. Now, Haugh is carving his own legacy in Gainesville after being one of the heroes of Florida’s dramatic comeback win over No. 3 seed Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
Haugh matched his career high in points (20) during one of the most memorable postseason games in Florida basketball history. Haugh and star guard Walter Clayton Jr. combined to score 14 of Florida’s final 18 points over three minutes. Florida outscored Texas Tech 18-4 during that stretch after trailing by as many as 10 points in the final six minutes of regulation.
With the comeback complete and a trip to the Final Four on the horizon, Haugh had one specific request.
“Hopefully, I get to meet [Tebow] one day,” Haugh told CBS Sports.
Translation: Haugh expressed his aspirations of meeting Tim Tebow someday.
With the way Haugh played in a win-or-go-home scenario against the Red Raiders, it wouldn’t be surprising if people wanted to meet him. Without Haugh, Clayton’s clutch shot doesn’t happen, and Florida’s dream season ends before the final weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Instead, Haugh and his team are now preparing to face No. 1 seed Auburn in Saturday’s national semifinal in San Antonio.