Episode
448: Todd Golden: "The Deepest Roster in America"
- Published
- Jun 3, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 940
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8910730
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Summary
Todd Golden sat down with Dan and didn't hold back. The Florida basketball coach breaks down how the early NCAA exit turned into a roster-building win, what it took to bring Tommy, Ruben, and Condo back, and why he believes the Gators are walking into 2026-27 with the deepest roster in college basketball. In This Interview: 🏀 The Iowa loss that helped them — Golden explains how the early exit gave Tommy Haugh, Ruben Chinua, and Alex Condon a reason to come back for their senior seasons 🏀 The Denzel Aberdeen situation — already re-enrolled and working on his undergrad degree; Florida believes he has a strong NCAA case for an extra year of eligibility after playing only ~40 minutes his freshman year before transferring to Kentucky 🏀 Navigating the NBA process — how Golden maintains open communication with players through the draft evaluation window and uses Florida's culture, education, and NIL/Rev Share as the closer 🏀 Preseason No. 1 pressure — "We welcome it at this point" — Golden on coaching with a target on their back and why this group is ready 🏀 Keeping the depth bought in — CJ Ingram and Alex Lloyd both had conversations before Tommy announced his return; Golden credits his staff's honesty and the players' maturity 🏀 Two European recruits — Arturas Butajevas, a decorated Lithuanian big with Tommy/Condo upside, and Domen Petrovic, a 22-year-old 6'8" Slovenian shooter coming off his best pro season — "Slovenian brothers" with Herby 🏀 NCAA Tournament expanding to 76 — "If I was still at San Francisco, I'd be doing cartwheels" — but Golden says Florida will play at a level where it won't affect them much 🏀 Playing around Florida — Tampa's Benchmark International, Jacksonville, South Florida; "we have the strongest brand in the state right now" 🏀 Jon Sumrall — Golden…