Reserve Guard Kovatchev Re-Signs with Gators for 2026-27

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Redshirt sophomore guard Alex Kovatchev has announced his plans to return to the Florida Gators for the 2026-27 season. Kovatchev, who played limited minutes in his first year with the team, joins five other Gators players who have recommitted to the program for next year.

Why it matters

Kovatchev's return provides depth and experience to the Gators' backcourt, which already features several key contributors from last season's team. His decision to stay at Florida suggests the program's coaching staff has faith in his continued development.

The details

Kovatchev played just 49 total minutes across 15 games in his debut season, shooting 3-for-12 from the field and 2-for-9 from 3-point range. His best performance came in the Gators' NCAA Tournament opener against Prairie View, when he scored 5 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of action. Prior to joining Florida, Kovatchev spent two seasons at Sacramento State, where he started 12 games as a freshman and averaged 5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

• Kovatchev announced his return on social media on April 1, 2026.
• He played sparingly for the Gators during the 2025-26 season.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Gators are still awaiting decisions from several frontcourt players, including Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu, on whether they will return to the team or enter the NBA draft. Once those decisions are made, it will give Florida a clearer picture of what positions they need to address in the transfer portal this offseason.