Alex chomping his way up NBA Draft projections

• Alex Condon's NBA Draft stocks on the rise for 15-2 Florida Gators
• The Perth-born centre is averaging 1.6 blocks per game in the SEC
• He went 7-from-7 for 23 points against Jacksonville in November

As we enter the heart of the 2024-25 college basketball season, basketball.com.au has been keeping a keen eye on the progress of Perth-born Alex Condon, who continues to make waves for the Florida Gators.

His NBA Draft stocks are on the rise for good reason. At 6'11 and 104kg, Condon is an imposing figure at the heart of the 15-2 Gators defense. He's being projected between pick 20-40. Condon, 20, is averaging 11 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 blocks.

Let's delve into the key takeaways from Condon's 2024-25 NCAA performances and what they mean for his development and potential impact on Australian basketball and the NBA.

Consistent Rebounding Prowess

One of the most striking aspects of Alex Condon's game this season has been his rebounding consistency. The 6'11" sophomore forward has recorded double-digit rebounds in four of his last seven games, including a streak of three consecutive double-digit rebounding performances against Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri. This ability to dominate the glass is crucial for several reasons:

1. It demonstrates Condon's growing physical presence and positioning and determination to crash the boards.
2. For Australian basketball, having a player who can compete at this level in one of the toughest conferences in US college basketball bodes well for future national team prospects.

Condon's rebounding average has steadily improved throughout the season.

Offensive Versatility and Efficiency

While Condon's scoring output has varied from game to game, his offensive toolkit appears to be expanding.

1. A perfect 7-from-7 shooting night against Jacksonville on November 8th, where he scored 23 points including 2-from-2 from three-point range.
2. A 19-point outing against Virginia on December 5th, shooting an impressive 7-from-8 from the field.
3. Lately he has improved his free-throw shooting, such as perfect trips to the line against Tennessee and Stetson.
4. His versatility is not just positional; it extends to his skill set, which includes facilitating offence from the high post, showcasing impressive passing ability, and demonstrating flashes of perimeter shooting.

The variation in Condon's game-to-game scoring means he's still finding consistency but big games indicate significant potential that could be harnessed for both his college career, NBA and future international duties.

Defensive Impact and Shot-Blocking

Condon's defensive presence has been felt throughout the season, with several standout performances in terms of shot-blocking and steals.

1. A three-block game against Arkansas on January 12th, 2025.
2. Multiple games with two blocks

As Condon continues to refine his defensive skills, he has the potential become a formidable two-way player, which would significantly boost his NBA prospects.

Playmaking Potential

An intriguing aspect of Condon's game that has emerged this season is his playmaking ability. Several games have featured Condon recording multiple assists, with standout performances including:

1. A five-assist game against North Carolina on December 18th, 2024.
2. Four assists each in games against Tennessee and Arkansas.

This development in Condon's game is significant:

1. It demonstrates a high basketball IQ and the ability to read the game beyond scoring and rebounding.
2. Playmaking big men are increasingly valuable in modern basketball.

While Condon's assist numbers aren't consistently high, the flashes of his playmaking ability has NBA scouts intrigued.

Consistency and Development

As with many young players, consistency remains a key area for improvement in Condon's game. His performances have ranged from dominant (23 points on perfect shooting against Jacksonville) to quiet (two points against Stetson).

The trajectory of Condon's development is encouraging:

1. His ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories even on lower-scoring nights demonstrates a well-rounded game.
2. The gradual improvement in specific areas (such as free-throw shooting and rebounding) means he's working on his game.

As Condon continues to gain experience and refine his skills, the consistency in his performances is likely to improve, potentially solidifying his role as a key player for both the Florida Gators, the NBA and potentially the Boomers.

Alex Condon's sophomore season with the Florida Gators has showcased significant development across multiple facets of his game. His rebounding consistency, flashes of offensive brilliance, defensive impact, and emerging playmaking skills paint a picture of a player with immense potential. It's why he's growing into a potential NBA draft pick when size, defense and playmaking are becoming the hottest commodity.

As Florida looks poised for a deep NCAA tournament run, Condon will have a significant platform to showcase his talents on one of basketball's biggest stages. This exposure is invaluable for Condon's NBA prospects.