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Former Florida Gators Bradley Beal, Al Horford, and More React to Florida's 3rd National Championship Victory 1 Mar 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Former Florida Gators Bradley Beal, Al Horford, and More React to Florida’s 3rd National Championship Victory

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Matthew Brzezinski | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 5:19 AM ET

The 2025 Florida Gators have won the program’s first national championship since their legendary back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. Coming back from down 12 points in the second half, the Gators took out the Houston Cougars 65-63 and hoisted the third championship in school history.

Former Florida Gators React to the School’s March Triumph

The University of Florida has produced no shortage of NBA talent over the years. Between some current big names and a few other retired greats, the Gator contingent in the professional ranks celebrated their school’s big win on Monday night.

Florida Gators alum and current Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal posted some throwback pictures leading up to the game and later re-posted the school’s championship post. Although Beal’s Suns lost their sixth straight game the previous night, at least he was able to celebrate his school’s latest championship.

GO GATORS!!! pic.twitter.com/N8cY1HpqTy

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 7, 2025

NBA legend Corey Brewer posted his own throwback photos from his time at Florida.

The Gator Boys are always hot. Let’s get this win!! pic.twitter.com/NRoU5fjjv5

— Corey Brewer (@TheCoreyBrewer) April 7, 2025

Charlotte Hornets guard and Gainesville native Tre Mann, who played for Florida for two seasons beginning in 2019, was hyped for his hometown squad. Mann’s Hornets did not play on Monday night but are back in action on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gainesvilleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

— Tre Mann (@tre2mann3) April 8, 2025

Last but not least, Gators legend and NBA champion Al Horford was seen during the celebrations, as he watched his squad live in San Antonio.

Al Horford all smiles after watching his gators win the National Championship pic.twitter.com/q6ygFWLEJn

— (@lockedupjb) April 8, 2025

Former Florida Gators Bradley Beal, Al Horford, and More React to Florida's 3rd National Championship Victory 2 Mar 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

More Celebrities React to Florida Gators’ National Championship Win

Plenty of other famous sports fans had their say on social media. Firstly, former President Barack Obama, a notorious basketball fan, was quick to shout out Walter Clayton Jr. and the Gators. The point guard was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after the win.

What a comeback! Congrats to Walter Clayton, Jr. and the Florida Gators on their third national title. This was a fun team to watch. https://t.co/PB0dT309tc

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 8, 2025

Former Florida Gators Bradley Beal, Al Horford, and More React to Florida's 3rd National Championship Victory 3 Mar 14, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) reacts after a made three point basket against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Florida governor Ron DeSantis was quick to point out Florida’s successes in college basketball but also in college football.

After tonight’s championship win, the list of universities that have won three national championships in both football and basketball:

1. The University of Florida

End of list.

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 8, 2025

Former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow relished in the successes of the 2025 basketball team. Tebow’s two championships during his time in Gainesville came in 2006 and 2008, back during the heyday of Gators basketball.

What a game! So resilient. As always go gators https://t.co/oXFBqRgiDV

— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) April 8, 2025

The story of current Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh’s poster of Tebow in his childhood bedroom has made the rounds during Final Four weekend. Haugh now has achieved a national title, just as his idol Tebow did years ago.

Charles Barkley Reacts to #1 Auburn's Painful Final Four Loss to Florida - Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) reacts after a basket against the Auburn Tigers during the second half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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