The Florida Gators capped an incredible season with twelve straight wins, securing both the SEC tournament title and the 2025 National Championship in a remarkable run.
Fresh off this championship victory, sophomore Alex Condon has declared for the 2025 NBA draft, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported Wednesday. The Australian big man will keep his NCAA eligibility while testing the NBA waters, giving him until May 28 to make his final decision.
“NEWS: Fresh off winning a national championship, Florida’s Alex Condon, a projected first-round pick, tells ESPN he will enter the NBA draft, while maintaining his NCAA eligibility,” Givony tweeted.
Condon’s basketball journey is anything but typical.
He didn’t even start playing organized basketball until he was 16 years old.
Growing up in Perth, Australia, the 20-year-old spent his childhood playing cricket, water polo, and Australian rules football instead of hoops. His late start makes his rapid development even more impressive.
As a freshman, Condon mostly came off the bench for the Gators, appearing in 36 games with just one start. But his sophomore season showed just how far he’s come.
Condon transformed into a key starter this year, beginning 35 of the 37 games he played in Florida’s championship campaign. He averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
When the lights were brightest, he delivered.
In the National Championship showdown against Houston, Condon contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and four steals to help secure the title.
While his offensive game remains a work in progress, scouts are particularly impressed with his defensive instincts and non-stop motor. These qualities could make him stand out in this year’s draft class.
Condon himself recognizes where he needs to improve.
“I need to tap into my shooting abilities,” he told Givony. “I shoot well in drills, but I need that to translate to real games.”
Given his late start in basketball, Condon still has tremendous room for growth. Many draft analysts already project him as a potential first-round pick in June’s draft.
He now has until May 28 to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to Florida for his junior season.
