Al Horford, Taurean Green proud of Florida's ‘fight’ to win 2025 title
SAN ANTONIO — Five players from Florida’s back-to-back title teams were on hand for the Gators’ 65-63 comeback win over Houston to win the 2025 national championship. The group included Boston Celtics center Al Horford, a five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion.
Horford was in the crowd Monday night cheering on the Gators and then joined the team for the trophy presentation and net-cutting ceremony.
“Unbelievable. So proud of the guys,” Horford told Gators Online. “Just their fight, just their will. Coach [Todd] Golden really has them playing right and just very proud of that group.”
Horford congratulated Walter Clayton Jr. and other players on their championship during the postgame celebration. He was joined in the Alamodome by former UF starters Taureen Green, an assistant coach on Golden’s staff, and Lee Humphrey, a radio analyst for the Gators, along with teammates Walter Hodge, Jack Berry and Brett Swanson.
All five posed for a picture on the court after the game, with each holding up three fingers.
“Feels great,” Green said of winning his third title at Florida and first as a coach. “I’m proud of these boys. They worked hard all season. The grind paid off. They’re a resilient group. I love coaching these guys. Our staff is great, our players are great. And we holding the trophy at the end of the day.”
Florida rallied from a 12-point deficit to claim its third title (2006, 2007). After falling behind 42-30 with 16:24 to play, UF outscored Houston 35-21 for the rest of the game.
The Gators’ national championship victory marked their ninth comeback win this season after trailing by nine points or more.
“That’s impressive,” Horford said. “That’s not an easy thing to do, and in a tournament setting where you don’t have another chance and you have to get it done, they found a way. Gator boys stay hot.”
Top 10
- 1New
Kyren Lacy
Reported cause of death
- 2
Brent Venables
Reacts to Nico Iamaleava
- 3Hot
Rece Davis
Decides on ESPN, FOX
- 4Trending
Dan Lanning
Pressed for Nico comment
- 5
Mario Cristobal
Warns team on holdouts
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Florida went on a 14-3 run in the second half to tie the game and held the Cougars without a field goal for nine consecutive possessions. The Gators forced four turnovers in the final 1:21.
“They never get fazed, whether we’re down 12 with eight minutes to go or down 12 with five minutes to go. We’re still going to play, and we still believe that we can win,” Green said. “It’s a testament to these guys, their character, their work ethic and just the winning mentality that they have.”
Al Horford, Taurean Green as Gators
Horford, the No. 3 pick in the 2007 Draft, ranks third in school history for the most rebounds in a season (360) and seventh for career rebounds (869). He also ranks fourth all-time for career blocks (189) along with sixth (70) and seventh (68) for most blocks in a season. Horford is in his 18th NBA season and seventh with the Celtics.
Green, the No. 52 pick in the 2007 Draft, ranks No. 6 in program history for the most assists in a season (160) and led the Gators in scoring with a 13.3 average in 2006-07. He spent two seasons in the NBA before playing 13 years overseas in seven different countries. Green has been on Golden’s staff for the past three seasons.
“Them Gator boys stay hot, man. You already know,” Green said. “That’s three of them things for the Gator boys.”
