Florida Gators’ Alex Condon Celebrates NCAA Championship, Announces Return for Sophomore Season Instead of Entering NBA Draft Early

Australian big man Alex Condon stood tall—both figuratively and literally—under the confetti-sprinkled roof of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona last month, arms raised and smile wide, as the Florida Gators celebrated their first NCAA national championship since 2007. In a moment that combined youthful exuberance and seasoned composure, the 6-foot-11 freshman had cemented himself not just as a key contributor to Florida’s title run, but also as a rising figure in college basketball with a decision looming over his future. Now, weeks after the championship celebration, Condon has officially announced he will opt out of the 2025 NBA Draft and return to Gainesville for his sophomore season, much to the delight of Florida fans and college basketball enthusiasts across the globe.

Condon, a native of Perth, Western Australia, became a breakout star during the Gators’ remarkable postseason run. While many scouts projected him as a potential late first- or early second-round pick, the 19-year-old forward-center revealed he wasn’t yet ready to leave college basketball behind. In his own words, Condon said the “unfinished business” he feels with the Gators outweighed the allure of the NBA spotlight—for now.

“I’ve dreamed of playing in the NBA since I was a kid back in Australia,” Condon said. “But winning a national championship with my teammates here at Florida made me realize how special this program is. We’ve built something incredible, and I want to come back and keep pushing for more. I know I have more growing to do as a player, and there’s no better place to do that than right here.”

Condon’s impact on the Gators’ title-winning campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. Though he entered the season with modest expectations as part of Todd Golden’s 2024 recruiting class, it didn’t take long for Condon to make his presence felt. His combination of size, footwork, touch around the rim, and defensive instincts helped him carve out a starting role by midseason. Averaging 10.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, Condon quickly evolved into one of the most reliable two-way big men in the SEC.

The NCAA Tournament spotlight magnified those strengths. In the Final Four matchup against Kansas, Condon logged a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, controlling the paint while also dishing out three assists and altering countless shots with his 7-foot wingspan. In the national championship game versus UConn, he anchored Florida’s interior defense and grabbed a crucial offensive rebound that led to a go-ahead basket in the closing minutes—a moment now etched into Gator lore.

Though his performance had NBA scouts buzzing, Condon approached the post-tournament period with clarity and a level head. He consulted with his family back home, coach Golden, and several mentors, including former Australian NBA players like Andrew Bogut and Aron Baynes, both of whom emphasized the value of development and patience.

“Alex has the maturity of someone much older,” said Golden. “From day one, he bought into our culture, worked hard, and never let the hype get to him. He’s got all the tools to be successful in the NBA, but the fact that he’s choosing to come back tells you how committed he is—not just to his game, but to his teammates and to Florida basketball.”

That loyalty is something Florida fans haven’t taken for granted. In an era where players often use college basketball as a brief stepping stone before turning pro, Condon’s decision to return stands out as a refreshing throwback. It also speaks volumes about the team culture being built in Gainesville. With a core that includes returning guards Riley Kugel and Walter Clayton Jr., alongside incoming freshman talent, the Gators will once again be in the national title conversation next season—and Condon will be at the heart of that pursuit.

For Condon, the journey from Western Australia to the NCAA championship stage has been a whirlwind. He only began playing organized basketball in his early teens after initially pursuing Australian Rules Football. A late growth spurt and his natural coordination caught the attention of local coaches, and it wasn’t long before he joined the NBA Global Academy based at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. From there, his rise was rapid, earning a scholarship offer from Florida in 2023 and making the move across the Pacific.

“It was a leap of faith, for sure,” Condon admitted. “Coming to America, playing in front of huge crowds, competing in a conference like the SEC—it was all new. But it challenged me in the best way possible. I’ve learned so much, not just as a basketball player, but as a person. The support system here is amazing, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”

Condon’s return to Gainesville isn’t just a win for the Gators—it’s also a boost for Australian basketball. With a growing number of Aussies making their mark on U.S. college programs and eventually transitioning to the NBA, Condon is quickly becoming a name to watch. His game draws comparisons to players like Domantas Sabonis and Jakob Poeltl for his blend of physicality, passing vision, and willingness to embrace the gritty aspects of post play.

While he may have been physically ready for the NBA’s demands, Condon believes another year of college will allow him to refine key aspects of his game, particularly his perimeter shooting and strength against elite bigs. He also wants to become more of a vocal leader on and off the court, something he says he’s gained confidence in following Florida’s championship run.

“Winning a title was amazing, but now the target’s on our back,” he said. “I want to be someone who leads by example and also helps the younger guys coming in. We’ve got a chance to do something special again.”

Indeed, the expectations in Gainesville are sky-high. With Condon back in the fold, the Gators boast a balanced and battle-tested roster that should enter the 2025–26 season ranked in the top five nationally. For Coach Golden, the challenge will be keeping his team hungry and focused, but having a cornerstone like Condon makes that task much more manageable.

“He’s the kind of player that raises the level of everyone around him,” Golden noted. “Whether it’s practice or game day, Alex shows up and competes. The team feeds off that energy. He’s only going to get better, and that should scare a lot of people.”

As the countdown to next season begins, Condon is already back in the gym, working on his footwork, touch, and midrange shooting. He’s also been spotted mentoring younger players and engaging with fans, fully embracing the role of not just a star player, but an ambassador for Florida basketball.

There’s also a growing belief that with another year of seasoning, Condon could elevate his draft stock significantly. By returning to school, he could position himself as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, particularly if he continues to show growth on the offensive end and anchors another deep postseason run.

But for now, the NBA can wait. Alex Condon has unfinished business in Gainesville—a place that welcomed him from halfway across the world, where he blossomed under the national spotlight, and where he now chooses to stay, driven by loyalty, pride, and the pursuit of back-to-back banners.

“This isn’t just about what’s next for me,” Condon said. “It’s about what we can still do together as a team. I believe in this program, I believe in Coach Golden, and I believe we can do it all again.”