NBA Summer League Highlights Former UCF and Florida Gators Players

Three former UCF Knights are participating in the 2026 NBA Summer League. Forward Taylor Hendricks, the program's first NBA‑Draft lottery pick, joined the Memphis Grizzlies' roster for the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas events, posting 15 points in 12 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Undrafted guards Themus Fulks and Riley Kugel signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for the Las Vegas leg, hoping to earn a contract after the summer showcase.

Eight ex‑Florida Gators also joined various Summer League squads. Center Colin Castleton is with the Orlando Magic, guard Walter Clayton Jr. with the Memphis Grizzlies, center Micah Handlogten with the Utah Jazz, guard Xaivian Lee with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and guard Alijah Martin with the Toronto Raptors. All are using the league to solidify their status on NBA or G‑League rosters and to audition for future contracts.

The Summer League, which began on July 4 in Salt Lake City and continues in Las Vegas, serves as an offseason platform for rookies, undrafted players and recent acquisitions to display their skills before teams finalize regular‑season lineups.