In a move that significantly bolsters Florida's championship aspirations, forward Alex Condon has decided to postpone his NBA dreams and return to Gainesville for his senior season. The 6-foot-11 Australian big man is betting on himself, aiming to refine his game—particularly his three-point shooting—for one final collegiate run.
Condon's return is a massive win for Coach Todd Golden and the Gators' program. With the team already pegged as a 10-1 betting favorite to win the 2027 national championship, retaining a player of Condon's caliber solidifies their contender status. He becomes the seventh key player to recommit, joining a core that includes point guard Boogie Fland, shooter Urban Klavzar, and several vital role players.
This decision underscores a clear team-building philosophy for Golden: continuity is king. By bringing back players already versed in his system, the Gators aim to build on the chemistry that made them 2025 champions, despite a second-round NCAA tournament exit last month. Condon is expected to be a focal point of the offense again after a standout junior year where he averaged 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
For Condon, the senior year is a targeted development season. While his all-around game is impressive, NBA scouts will be watching one stat closely: his three-point percentage. Shooting just 17% from deep last season, improving that mark is the clear pathway to elevating his draft stock from a potential second-rounder to a coveted first-round—or even lottery—pick.
The Gators' roster isn't quite complete, with all-conference center Rueben Chinyelu expected back and a major question mark still hovering over leading scorer Thomas Haugh, a potential lottery pick himself. If Haugh also returns, Florida's lineup would be among the most experienced and talented in the nation, perfectly positioned for another title chase. For now, Condon's commitment ensures the Gators have a proven leader and a versatile big man ready to anchor their quest for another championship.
