FILE - Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) looks to pass as South Carolina guard Mike Sharavjamts (55) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Feb. 17, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Watkins, File)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Thomas Haugh’s return to Florida was a lifestyle decision.

The All-Southeastern Conference forward postponed his chances of becoming an NBA lottery pick last month when he chose to return to school for his senior season. He preferred to live with his best friend and fishing buddy, teammate Alex Condon, for another year, attend college with both of his younger siblings and chase a second national title. He says it was a close call.

The money played a role, too. Haugh will make roughly $7 million through name, image and likeness deals at Florida for his final year — with a chance to earn more.

NC St. lawsuit is dismissed

RALEIGH, N.C. — A state judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 31 former N.C. State male athletes alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine.

In orders filed Tuesday, Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed claims against Robert M. Murphy Jr., as well as multiple N.C. State athletics officials tied to their oversight rules. Collins cited procedural reasons.

That included an expired statute of limitations on claims dating back as early as 2013. Durham-based attorney Kerry Sutton has represented the players and says they plan to appeal.

Elsewhere in sports:

– LIV Golf is on a 46-day break between tournaments and it might be the most important part of the year. CEO Scott O’Neil was a guest on CNBC on Tuesday and said he’s seeking $300 million from investors now that Saudi Arabia has cut off funding. O’Neil also says his biggest concern is time. He says it’s important for LIV to get the future sorted out by the end of the summer.