Alex Condon to test NBA Draft, retain eligiblity

• Perth-born Alex Condon has entered the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining NCAA eligibility
• The Perth-born forward played key role in Florida's championship run with 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game
• Condon's late transition to basketball at age 16 highlights his potential for further development

Alex Condon, the Australian sophomore forward who helped Florida win the national championship, has declared for the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, he told ESPN on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old Perth native emerged as a crucial component in Florida's championship season, displaying the versatility and defensive prowess that has him projected as the No. 29 prospect in ESPN's NBA draft rankings.

"This was a surreal season," Condon said. "There was so much depth on this team, and we all played unselfishly. A lot of guys stepped up in big moments. We had a great team, and that's the reason we won the championship."

Condon's basketball journey is particularly remarkable considering his late start in the sport. Until age 16, he focused on cricket, water polo and AFL before transitioning to basketball. This multi-sport background developed his exceptional hand-eye coordination and toughness – attributes that translated seamlessly to the basketball court.

"My parents put me in a lot of sports," Condon explained. "That was good for developing my hand-eye coordination. Playing football helped me develop my toughness."

Despite entering Florida as an under-the-radar recruit, Condon earned third-team All-SEC honours this season, averaging 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game. These contributions helped the Gators compile an exceptional 36-4 record, including 12 consecutive victories to close out the season with both the SEC tournament title and the national championship.

Condon's defensive instincts were on full display in Florida's nail-biting 65-63 championship victory over Houston. With the game hanging in the balance, he made a decisive play in the final seconds, diving on the floor to secure a loose ball that sealed the victory.

"That was a crazy play," Condon recalled. "Walt [Clayton Jr.] did a great job of getting out on [Emanuel] Sharp to deny his 3-pointer. The whole stadium paused because no one knew what was happening. I saw a Houston player running over to try and make a play to win it, so I did what I do best. Dive on the floor and get it back to Walt until time ran out. It was all based on instincts."

Florida coach Todd Golden's system played to Condon's strengths, featuring him as a playmaker in dribble handoffs and continuity ball-screen sets. The Australian's basketball IQ shined through his passing ability and defensive awareness, while his relentless energy running the floor and crashing the offensive glass set the tone for his teammates.

"We play through the bigs at Florida," Condon said. "My job is to get the ball to our guards and then crush the glass. My defense is NBA-ready. I already know how to switch ball-screens and stay in front of smaller guards, which you need to do in the NBA."

Despite his defensive readiness, Condon acknowledges areas for improvement in his offensive game. "I still have a lot of room for improvement, especially offensively. Most guys have been playing a lot longer than me. The next thing I need to tap into is my shooting. I shoot very well in drills but need to transfer that to games."

The Australian has until May 28 to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to Florida for his junior season. His decision will likely hinge on feedback from NBA teams during the pre-draft process, including the NBA combine scheduled for May 11-18 in Chicago.

"If I have confirmation from NBA teams that I'm in the 15-30 range, if something is guaranteed, I will consider keeping my name in," Condon explained. "I have a great situation at Florida. It would have to be something pretty special, my family would have to agree that we can't turn that down."

Condon's rise represents another success story for Australian basketball, which continues to produce elite talent for American college basketball and the NBA. His defensive versatility, basketball IQ, and untapped offensive potential make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams seeking multi-dimensional frontcourt players.

If Condon does elect to return to college, he has made it clear where his loyalty lies. "There's no way I could go to any other school," he affirmed, demonstrating his commitment to the program that has helped develop his game.

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