In a decision that sent ripples of excitement through the college basketball landscape, Australian forward Alex Condon announced his withdrawal from the 2025 NBA Draft, opting instead to return to the Florida Gators for his junior season. This move, made just a day before the NCAA’s withdrawal deadline, is a monumental win for head coach Todd Golden and a clear signal of the Gators’ ambitions to contend for another national championship. Condon, a pivotal figure in Florida’s recent title run, has demonstrated not only a burgeoning professional potential but also a profound commitment to his collegiate team, a rarity in an era increasingly defined by one-and-done prospects.
Condon’s journey to this pivotal decision is a fascinating narrative of rapid development and strategic foresight. As a sophomore, the 6-foot-11, 230-pound forward emerged as a dominant force for the Gators, playing a major role in their improbable run to the 2025 NCAA Championship. He averaged 10.6 points and a team-leading 7.5 rebounds per game, while also tallying 49 blocked shots. His impact went beyond raw statistics; Condon’s high motor, relentless effort, and innate understanding of the game were evident in every contest. He delivered seven double-doubles throughout the season and notched 18 double-figure scoring performances, cementing his status as a go-to player in critical moments. Perhaps his most iconic play came in the national championship game against Houston, where he secured a crucial loose ball in the dying seconds, sealing Florida’s thrilling 65-63 victory. This single play encapsulated his defensive tenacity and winning mentality, showcasing his willingness to do whatever it takes for the team’s success.
The NBA Draft process itself was an invaluable experience for Condon. He participated in the NBA Combine and conducted private workouts with eight different NBA teams. This exposure provided him with direct feedback on his game, highlighting areas of strength and identifying aspects requiring further refinement. Condon openly admitted that the process was a significant learning curve, stating, “I learned a lot about myself. Isolating my game and getting with trainers every day, learning how to be consistent. My jumper has improved immensely with how much work I’ve put into that. My overall offensive package will be on display more at Florida next season.” This self-awareness and dedication to continuous improvement are precisely what make him such a compelling prospect and a valuable asset for the Gators. While some mock drafts had him projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick, Condon’s decision underscores a strategic play: to enhance his draft stock by returning to Gainesville and further developing his offensive repertoire, particularly his shooting and shot creation, which are often sought-after attributes for modern NBA bigs.
The prospect of winning back-to-back national championships was a powerful motivator for Condon. “It’s a hard thing to do, winning back-to-back,” Condon told ESPN. “We’re not taking it lightly. We need to get together as a team. Get back to Gainesville, share in some hardship through hard work in the summer, and get used to playing with each other. Part of the reason we were so good last season was we got used to playing with each other for two years. We need to continue that. When guys have your back, that’s what makes a great team.” This statement reveals a profound appreciation for team chemistry and the collective pursuit of excellence. In an era where individual aspirations often overshadow team objectives, Condon’s commitment to the Gators and their shared goal of repeating as champions is truly refreshing. His strong bond with teammates like Thomas Haugh, his roommate and close friend, further solidifies the core of a team that thrives on camaraderie.
Head coach Todd Golden expressed his immense satisfaction with Condon’s decision. Golden had been “cautiously optimistic” about Condon’s return, respecting his player’s right to explore professional opportunities while subtly conveying the value of another year in Gainesville. “We’ve had good conversations with Alex. We’ve been really respectful of his process, and he’s been great in terms of communicating with us, in terms of where everything’s at,” Golden stated. He added, “I’m thrilled he’s returning to the Gators. He had a great process, with a lot of good feedback. Fortunately, he’s positioned himself nicely.” This mutual respect between player and coach, coupled with Condon’s genuine belief in Golden’s coaching staff, particularly his big man coach Carlin Hartman, was undoubtedly a significant factor in his choice. The continuity in coaching and the opportunity to further hone his skills under familiar guidance appealed greatly to Condon.
Condon’s return solidifies what is expected to be one of the deepest and most formidable frontcourts in college basketball. Alongside fellow returning bigs Rueben Chinyelu, Micah Handlogten, and Thomas Haugh, the Gators will boast a physical and athletic interior presence that can bludgeon opponents on the boards and protect the rim with elite efficiency. Last season, this quartet contributed to Florida finishing as the No. 5 offensive-rebounding team in the nation and being one of the elite rim-protecting teams, holding opponents to just 53% shooting at the basket. The synergy between Condon and Haugh, in particular, was exceptional, with the Gators boasting a sizzling +33.1 net rating when they were on the floor together, a figure that ranked in the 99th percentile nationally. Condon’s playmaking, combined with Haugh’s sharp cutting, added another layer to the Gators’ offensive arsenal, and their continued development together promises even greater dividends.
While the frontcourt is set, Golden has also been busy reshaping the backcourt to compensate for the departures of top scorers Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin to the NBA Draft. The additions of dynamic transfers Xaivian Lee from Princeton, AJ Brown from Ohio University, and highly-touted former Arkansas guard Boogie Fland have created an exciting new blend of talent and experience. Fland, a top freshman last season before injury, and Lee, an electric playmaker, are expected to form a formidable backcourt pairing that could be even more explosive than the one that set scoring records in Gainesville in the past two years. Condon’s decision effectively completes Florida’s roster for the upcoming season, leaving them with just one developmental roster spot to fill.
With Condon back in the fold, Florida is projected to enter the 2025-26 season as a strong contender for the preseason No. 1 ranking. The immediate goal is to defend their national championship, a feat only accomplished twice before by the Gators in 2006 and 2007 under legendary coach Billy Donovan. DraftKings Sportsbook has already set Florida’s odds at +1600 to repeat as national champions, a testament to the talent and continuity they possess. Alex Condon’s decision is not merely a player returning to school; it’s a statement of intent from both the athlete and the program. It speaks to the allure of collegiate success, the power of team unity, and the strategic vision of a coach building a sustainable championship culture. The Australian big man has not only bounced back from the draft process with renewed focus but has also set the stage for an even more exhilarating chapter in Florida Gators basketball history. His presence elevates the team’s ceiling and promises an exciting, high-stakes season for fans eager to witness another run at glory.
