Florida Basketball’s Handlogten Reflects On Deciding To Come Back, Winnning Title

Back on Feb. 14, Micah Handlogten made a shocking announcement.

“I’m back,” he said. Handlogten announced he would return and forego a redshirt year, despite already missing the first 24 games of the season due to a broken leg he suffered in last year’s SEC Championship Game.

“I think the sky’s the limit when everybody gets healthy,” Handlogten said after announcing he would return to the court. “I literally think we can win the national championship.”

Well, to say the least, Handlogten was nothing short of correct. On Monday night, the Gators notched their third national championship after beating the Houston Cougars 65-63 in San Antonio. Handlogten dropped two points along with four rebounds and two assists in nine minutes of work.

Handlogten may not have filled up the stat-sheet this year, but his impact was undeniable. He refused to be sidelined and miss out on making a difference. He prioritized his team’s success over his own, willing to sacrifice a year of eligibility just to help the Gators make a deep run in March — and that’s exactly what they did.

“This is a dream come true,” Handlogten said after hoisting the National Championship Trophy at the Alamodome. “Growing up I always dreamed of doing something like this. To be able to come out here and end up winning, it’s just amazing.”

No Regrets

Handlogten said before the Final Four matchup against Auburn that deciding to come back was “the best decision of my life.” But two wins later, when Handlogten became a national champion, the decision proved to be even more remarkable.

“I can’t even put it into words,” he said. “Genuinely, I’m the most happy I’ve ever been in my life. I don’t regret that decision at all. It’s the best decision I ever made. Each and every one of these guys is so individually talented. But the fact that we can just buy into each other and work for each other and play for each other, that’s what makes this team so special. That’s what sets us apart.”

Micah Handlogten is a NATIONAL CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/Tmbp8vuMhZ

— Isaac Edelman (@IsaacEdelman) April 8, 2025

When you make a decision like Handlogten did back in February, regret is always a factor. The 255-pound center risked a second injury, and most importantly, lost a year of eligibility, just to take part in Florida’s championship run, a run that will be remembered for the rest of eternity.

Handlogten will enjoy the aftermath of the national championship before ramping up for next season. Handlogten has an entire summer to get 100% healthy. The Gators hope to get Handlogten back to his 2023 self when he averaged 5.3 points and 6.9 rebounds.

Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu are expected to return and join Handlogten in the frontcourt next season. This past season, Florida’s backcourt received most of the spotlight. With Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard graduating, it’s possible that Florida’s frontcourt will be among the country’s best next season.