Four Former Florida Gators Basketball Standouts Officially Named to 2024 NBA Summer League Rosters, Continuing Their Professional Journeys on the Big Stage.
The 2024 NBA Summer League is quickly becoming a proving ground not just for incoming rookies, but for players looking to solidify their status in the league or reignite their careers. Among the many names featured on this year’s Summer League rosters are four former Florida Gators who are seizing the opportunity to showcase their talent on basketball’s most competitive summer stage. These athletes—each with unique paths, skills, and stories—are representing not only themselves but also the proud basketball tradition of the University of Florida. Their inclusion on these rosters is a testament to the development they received in Gainesville and the perseverance they’ve shown since leaving the program.
The Summer League serves as an invaluable platform for players who are either trying to make a final NBA roster, earn a two-way contract, or draw interest from overseas teams. For these four former Gators, it’s more than just summer basketball—it’s a chance to remind NBA franchises that their journey isn’t over. While some of them are recent graduates of the Florida basketball program, others have taken winding routes through the G League or international circuits to arrive at this moment.
The most prominent name among the four is likely Colin Castleton, a dominant post presence during his time in Gainesville. Castleton, who played his first two collegiate seasons at Michigan before transferring to Florida, blossomed into a star with the Gators. He averaged double figures in scoring during each of his three seasons in Gainesville, and his combination of shot-blocking, rebounding, and interior scoring made him a staple in the SEC. After going undrafted in 2023, Castleton quickly signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He made several appearances for the team during the regular season but spent most of his time developing in the G League. Now, he returns to the Summer League not just to earn more minutes in the NBA but to prove that he can be a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor. His skill set is valuable in today’s NBA, especially if he can stretch his shooting range and improve lateral mobility on defense. Lakers coaches are reportedly excited about his development, and the Summer League gives him a real opportunity to show growth in year two.
Joining Castleton in the Summer League circuit is Tre Mann, a former first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Drafted 18th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mann came into the league with high expectations due to his scoring ability and smooth offensive game. At Florida, he made a name for himself with his quick release, deep range, and improved ability to create off the dribble. His sophomore season in Gainesville was a breakout campaign, and it was enough to cement his status as a first-round talent. Mann showed flashes of brilliance during his early NBA career, including multiple double-digit scoring games and a few highlight-reel plays. However, the Thunder’s youth movement and crowded backcourt made it hard for him to secure consistent minutes. After a trade to the Charlotte Hornets, Mann is now looking to reestablish himself and earn a larger role moving forward. The Summer League provides the perfect stage for him to prove he still belongs in the league’s future plans. If he can demonstrate improved decision-making and defense while continuing to score efficiently, it’s likely he could carve out a significant role in Charlotte’s rotation.
Another former Gator looking to make a splash this summer is Keyontae Johnson, whose story is one of the most inspiring in all of basketball. Once a projected NBA draft pick and the SEC Preseason Player of the Year, Johnson’s career took a shocking turn in December 2020 when he collapsed on the court during a game against Florida State. The health scare ended his career at Florida, and for a time, it was uncertain if he would ever play again. But Johnson’s determination and passion for the game led him back to the court, this time at Kansas State, where he made a triumphant return and helped lead the Wildcats to an NCAA Tournament run. His strong play reignited his NBA hopes, and he was selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, with a year of pro development under his belt, Johnson enters the Summer League with a chip on his shoulder and plenty to prove. His combination of strength, athleticism, and shooting makes him an intriguing prospect, and his journey has made him a fan favorite. Oklahoma City continues to be a team focused on development and versatility, and if Johnson can show that he’s ready for the next step, he could find himself in the rotation by the start of the 2024–25 season.
Rounding out the group is Alex Fudge, a raw but athletic forward who played one season for the Gators after transferring from LSU. While his time at Florida wasn’t statistically overwhelming, his potential was evident. Standing 6-foot-9 with a long wingspan and explosive leaping ability, Fudge has always been seen as a project with high upside. After going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers organization and spent the majority of the season honing his skills in the G League. The Lakers clearly see something worth investing in, as he’s once again on their Summer League roster and expected to play a significant role. For Fudge, the focus will be on showing improved offensive polish while maintaining his defensive intensity and energy. If he can knock down open jumpers and stay disciplined on defense, he has a chance to impress scouts and possibly earn another two-way deal or even an end-of-bench NBA spot.
The presence of these four Gators in the NBA Summer League is not only a win for them personally but also a testament to the Florida basketball program’s ability to develop NBA-caliber talent. While Florida has not had the consistent lottery pick pipeline of some other blue-blood programs, it has steadily produced players who find ways to contribute at the next level. Whether through the draft, two-way contracts, or undrafted free agency, Gators are continuing to make their mark in professional basketball.
For fans of Florida basketball, seeing familiar faces back on the national stage offers a mix of pride and anticipation. These Summer League games might not have the glamour of regular-season matchups, but they carry immense importance for players looking to extend or launch their professional careers. Every possession is an audition, every game a job interview. For Colin Castleton, Tre Mann, Keyontae Johnson, and Alex Fudge, this summer could determine where their careers go next.
The Summer League is also a crucial developmental step. Coaches use the games to test different roles and responsibilities, often pushing players outside their comfort zones. Castleton might be asked to facilitate more from the elbow. Mann may be encouraged to focus on being a lead ball-handler and decision-maker. Johnson could be challenged to take on tougher defensive assignments, while Fudge might be evaluated for his ability to space the floor or switch defensively across multiple positions. These games are less about wins and losses and more about growth, adaptability, and confidence.
The journey to becoming an established NBA player is rarely a straight line. It involves setbacks, roster cuts, time in the G League, and sometimes international stints. But what connects players like these four Gators is resilience and belief in their ability to compete at the highest level. The Summer League offers them a stage to do just that. With a strong showing, they can put themselves in position to sign NBA contracts, receive guaranteed training camp invites, or even catch the eye of front offices overseas.
Moreover, their presence highlights the enduring legacy of Florida basketball. For future Gator recruits, seeing recent alumni continue to fight for their NBA dreams is a powerful motivator. It reinforces that Florida is a program where players are prepared for the next level, even if the path is unconventional. The exposure gained in Summer League can be the springboard needed to shift a player’s career trajectory.
The NBA Summer League is filled with stories of redemption, discovery, and ambition. In the case of these four former Gators, it’s a combination of all three. From Castleton’s pursuit of a full-time NBA role, to Mann’s comeback campaign, to Johnson’s inspiring return, and Fudge’s rise as a potential diamond in the rough, each story is compelling in its own right. While their time at Florida may be in the rearview mirror, the lessons, grit, and foundation built in Gainesville remain core to who they are as players and professionals.
As the Summer League unfolds, all eyes will be on Las Vegas and other host cities where dreams are made or deferred. For Castleton, Mann, Johnson, and Fudge, it’s not just another game—it’s the next chapter in their journey to basketball greatness. Whether or not they end up on opening night NBA rosters, their determination and willingness to compete at the highest level will continue to serve as an inspiration for Gator fans and future players alike. The spotlight is theirs for the taking, and their performance this summer could very well determine the next several years of their careers.
