Florida’s Alex Condon Entering Draft, Maintaining College Eligibility

Florida forward Alex Condon has declared for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, leaving the door open for a return to the defending national champion Gators next season.Alex Condon, Florida, NBA Draft

Condon, a 6-foot-11 native of Australia, is projected as a potential first-round pick and is currently ranked No. 29 on ESPN’s draft board. He was named third-team All-SEC after averaging 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game.

A late bloomer who began playing organized basketball at age 16, Condon emerged as a key piece in Florida’s frontcourt, praised for his passing ability and defensive versatility. His playmaking skills out of dribble handoffs and high-level motor made him a vital cog in the Gators’ ball-screen offense, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie projects Condon as a second-round selection, pegging him at No. 37 overall in his latest mock draft. Condon said he is seeking first-round assurances before deciding whether to remain in the draft.

“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 told ESPN. “I have a great situation at Florida. It would have to be something pretty special.”

Condon emphasized that if he returns to college, it will be with Florida, saying “there’s no way I could go to any other school.”

Known for his ability to defend in space and switch onto smaller guards, Condon believes his defense is NBA-ready. Offensively, he acknowledged continued room for growth, particularly in extending his shooting range.

“I shoot very well in drills but need to transfer that to games,” he said. “If I come back to school, I will shoot it with more confidence.”

Condon has until the NBA’s early entry withdrawal deadline to make a final decision.

Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?

Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!

Leave a Reply