The Oklahoma City Thunder's recent NBA Championship victory on June 22 celebrated the contributions of two former members of the Florida Gators basketball program: coach Mark Daigneault and advance scouting director DeVon Walker. Daigneault's journey began as a staff assistant at Florida under Billy Donovan (2010-2014), where he honed his skills in scouting and player development. He eventually rose through the ranks to become head coach of the Thunder, leading a transformative rebuilding process and achieving an impressive 165-81 record over his last three seasons.

Walker, a key reserve during Florida's SEC championship teams in 2013 and 2014, also played a significant role in the Thunder's success. The legacy of Florida's basketball program continues to shine, with former players like Scottie Wilbekin acknowledging Daigneault’s pivotal influence on their careers. This championship adds to Florida's rich history of producing NBA champions, such as Vernon Maxwell and Al Horford.