Perth's Alex Condon wins NCAAM title

• Alex Condon is an NCAA National Champion with the Florida Gators
• He led Florida to the 2025 NCAA Championship Final, playing a crucial defensive role
• He was Named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2024 and earned Third-Team All-SEC honours in 2025

Perth-born Alex Condon's Florida Gators have won the 2025 NCAA Men's National Championship 65-63 against the Houston Cougars in San Antonio on April 8, 2025.

Condon finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals including a couple of monster two-hand dunks.

Condon, 20, shot 5-from-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line to led Florida to its third national championship.

He made several big, big plays down the stretch as the Gators fought back from 12 down in the second half in one of the toughest defensive arm wrestles in Final Four history.

His fourth steal came in the final second, diving on a loose ball to seal the victory. The win is tied for the third largest comeback in the tournament Final's history.

He has already established himself as one of Australia's brightest basketball prospects through his dominant NCAA career and now he is a national champion.

Condon is already an NBA Draft Prospect, averaging 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

"I was playing footy (AFL) up to when I was 16,'' Condon said.

"I didn't know a lot about March Madness while I was in Australia.

"The first game I watched was the San Diego State versus UConn (University of Connecticut) championship game two years ago, but it's obviously become a really big part of my life.

"It's a dream come true, and we've made it all the way here, so we're not going to take it for granted.

"The best teams are left, and it's going to be some really good basketball."

But he's got a back-up plan if he doesn't get to deliver on his NBA dream.

"Football is a way more physical sport than basketball ... so using that physicality to my advantage is something I do," Condon said.

"It is good to have a back-up option (Collingwood) if basketball doesn't work out.

"It (the NBA) is in the back of my mind. That's been the dream since day one."

Key Details

Name: Alex Condon
Age: 20
Team(s): Florida Gators
Position: Power Forward / Centre
Size: 211 cm
Weight: 104 kg

Playing Style

Condon, one of 54 Aussies in the NCAA, operates as a versatile modern big man with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. At 211cm, he possesses exceptional length that makes him a formidable rim protector, averaging over one block per game throughout his college career.

His defensive instincts are complemented by quick feet that allow him to guard multiple positions, making him valuable in Florida's switching defensive schemes. Condon's rebounding technique is exceptional, using his strong frame to box out opponents effectively and secure crucial boards.

Offensively, Condon has developed into a multi-dimensional threat during his time at Florida. While initially known primarily for his work around the basket, he has steadily expanded his shooting range to become a legitimate three-point threat, connecting on 37.5% of his attempts during the 2025 postseason. His passing ability from the high post has become a weapon in Florida's offense, evidenced by his 2.3 assists per game in his sophomore campaign. This combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.

Career

Condon's basketball journey began in Perth, Australia, where he initially balanced basketball with Australian rules football as a top AFL prospect. His decision to focus exclusively on basketball led him to the Basketball Australia Centre for Excellence (CoE) at the Australian Institute of Sport.

This pivotal choice would set him on a path toward collegiate success in America, providing him with elite-level development opportunities that prepared him for international competition.

His freshman season at Florida in 2023-24 showcased his immediate impact, as Condon averaged 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. His defensive presence was apparent from the start, recording 1.3 blocks per game and establishing himself as a force in the paint. These consistent performances earned him SEC All-Freshman Team honours, signalling his potential as a cornerstone for the Gators program in the years to come.

Condon's sophomore campaign in 2024-25 represented a significant breakthrough, as he stepped into a more prominent role on both ends of the court. His numbers improved across the board, averaging 11.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as Florida's starting power forward. His development was particularly evident in high-stakes matchups, where he helped lead the Gators to statement road victories against No. 1 Auburn and No. 7 Alabama. The latter featured one of Condon's most outstanding performances of the season, recording 27 points and 10 rebounds.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament has become Condon's national showcase, as he helped guide Florida to the championship game. Throughout the tournament, he has demonstrated his defensive versatility, clutch rebounding, and improved shooting touch. Condon's performance throughout the season earned him Third-Team All-SEC honours and significantly raised his profile as an NBA prospect.

His combination of size, skill development, and basketball IQ has placed him firmly on the radar of professional scouts.

Five Fast Facts

1. Condon's father, Damien, played Australian rules football for East Fremantle Football Club
2. He was considered a top prospect in the 2022 AFL draft before focusing exclusively on basketball
3. Condon recorded a perfect shooting night (7-of-7 from the field) against Jacksonville, including 2-of-2 from three-point range
4. He was named SEC Player of the Week three times during his sophomore season
5. Condon helped Florida defeat the eventual national champions (UConn) in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament

Career Highlights Timeline

2022: Decided to focus exclusively on basketball rather than pursue Australian rules football

2023: Enrolled at the Basketball Australia Centre for Excellence and NBA Global Academy

2023: Signed with Florida Gators to play college basketball in the Southeastern Conference

2024: Named to the SEC All-Freshman Team after averaging 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds

2025: Recorded career-high 27 points and 10 rebounds in victory over No. 7 Alabama

2025: Named Third-Team All-SEC after helping Florida to a 27-4 regular season record

2025: Led Florida to the NCAA Championship game

Condon's rapid development from Australian football prospect to college basketball standout represents one of the most promising stories in Australian basketball. His combination of size, skill versatility, and basketball intelligence has allowed him to excel against elite NCAA competition at just 20 years old. As a defensive anchor who has steadily expanded his offensive repertoire, Condon embodies the modern basketball big man.

With his collegiate career still unfolding, Condon's trajectory suggests significant professional potential. His ability to defend multiple positions, growing three-point range, and high basketball IQ have already drawn attention from NBA scouts. Whether he continues his development at Florida or takes the next step to professional basketball, Alex Condon has established himself as one of Australia's most promising young talents and a name to follow closely in the coming years.