Marreese Speights ‘returning to Florida’ in hilarious jab at NCAA rules

Florida fell short in defending the national title in the NCAA Tournament after getting upset by Iowa in the second round. The Gators were hoping to rule college basketball for back-to-back years and duplicate the program’s feat in 2006 and 2007. However, it was not meant to be.

Now, it is back to the drawing board for Florida, which will look for additional talent to shore up the roster for next season.

As early as now, it seems the Gators have already found a talented forward with ample experience. His name might be familiar: Marreese Speights.

Speights, who won a ring at Florida in 2007, announced on X that he will suit up for his alma mater once again.

“After 18 seasons, I will be returning to Florida with two years left to play. Man, after having a great conversation with @CoachToddGolden, I’m excited to be back and have the opportunity to play again for the Florida Gators. After a long NBA career, with the new rules in place, I’ll be back on the court for the next two years. Go Gators!” wrote Speights.

After 18 seasons, I will be returning to Florida with two years left to play.
Man, after having a great conversation with @CoachToddGolden , I’m excited to be back and have the opportunity to play again for the Florida Gators. After a long NBA career, with the new rules in… pic.twitter.com/vRUmTRWlCL

— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) May 20, 2026

Just to be clear, he was only joking.

The 38-year-old Speights, who was recently named the coach of Polk State College, was taking a jab at the NCAA and its controversial rules on eligibility. This came after it was reported that LSU acquired RJ Luis Jr., who was involved in a trade between the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics in 2025.

The NCAA has allowed players who have had experience in professional basketball to return to college, with some even invoking antitrust laws.

Speights spent two years at Florida, teaming up with Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Chandler Parsons, and Nick Calathes, among others.

He had an 11-year career in the NBA, winning a title with the Golden State Warriors.

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