Former Gators Shining in Summer League

NBA Summer League action kicked off in two locations earlier this week (Sacramento and Salt Lake City) with one more set to begin in Las Vegas on Friday and the Gators are well represented. Seven former Gators made rosters across the league, headlined by Colin Castleton and Tre Mann who have both quickly jumped into the spotlight.

The seven former members of the Florida basketball program gracing the court this summer are Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers), Anthony Duruji (Charlotte Hornets), Tyree Appleby (Chicago Bulls), Tre Mann (Oklahoma City Thunder), Keyontae Johnson (Oklahoma City Thunder), Colin Castleton (Los Angeles Lakers) and Alex Fudge (Los Angeles Lakers).

The California Classic Summer League began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday, with six teams playing two games a piece. Castleton, Fudge and Duruji were all included in that tournament. However, only Fudge and Castleton saw any playing time.

In the first game on Monday for the Lakers, Castleton played just over 15 minutes going 5-for-5 from the field and ending with 11 points. However, he did end the day with a -10 plus/minus while on the floor. Fudge did not play in the team's first contest.

Moving to Wednesday, Castleton earned the start and played 32 minutes, the most of anybody in the game. He made the most of his time, scoring 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists and four blocks. It should be noted that he did pick up seven fouls which would have seen him leave the game in a regular season contest. Meanwhile, Fudge played just under four minutes in relief and did not produce any points.

The Salt Lake City Summer League also began on Monday, with four more teams competing, including Mann's Thunder squad.

Mann led the game in minutes, playing almost 33 minutes while scoring 20. He added seven rebounds and three steals as well after getting the starting nod at guard. Not to mention, a highlight reel dunk over Micah Potter. The dunk quickly circulated around social media as many wondered how Mann was able to slam the ball down over Potter who holds a five-inch advantage.

In the Thunder's second game, Mann again earned a starting role and led all scorers with an impressive 28 points. Heading into his third NBA season, the former Gators' star is primed to have a big role for OKC. Mann followed up his rookie season in which he averaged 10.4 points with another solid campaign which saw him total 7.7 ppg over the course of 67 games.

Oklahoma City wrapped up their third and final game in the Salt League City tournament on Thursday night. Mann again put up a 20+ point performance, ending the evening with 23 points and eight rebounds.

Keyontae Johnson was listed as out with an illness/injury for the team's first two games, but did not play in game three due to a coaching decision.

The rest of the former Gators will make their 2023 summer league debuts starting on Friday when the NBA 2K24 Summer League begins on Friday.