WITH THE Florida Gators defeating the Houston Cougars in the NCAA National Championship title game on Tuesday afternoon, Alex Condon became the sixth Australian to claim the ultimate prize at college level.

Condon has been a revelation for the Gators over the past few months, emerging as a likely first round selection at the 2025 NBA Draft in the process. Having signed as a Category B rookie for the Collingwood Magpies in the AFL, football may have to wait for the big man, who now seemingly has a future at NBA level.

The Gators and Cougars did battle in the Championship game, having both finished as the top seed in their respective divisions. The National Tournament was given a shakeup when the Cougars defeated the Duke Blue Devils in the Final Four on Sunday, again showing their trademark perimeter defence can deliver on the big stage.

Houston looked in a strong position in the first half, holding the normally dangerous Gators to just 28 points in the first half. However, the Cougars did not take full advantage of their defensive work, only mustering a three-point lead at half time. As expected, the Gators made some adjustments in the second half, and looked much more dangerous in the final 20 minutes.

The game went down to the wire in fitting fashion, with the Cougars clinging on to a one-point lead for much of the second half. It took until the final minute of the game for the Gators to finally take the lead, with Alijah Martin nailing a pair of free throws to put his side up two. Houston had the chance to win the match on the final possession, but could not get a shot up as Florida won the National Championship for the first time since 2007.

It also marked Condon’s strongest performance of the National Tournament, having overcome a slight drop in form to have a massive impact on the big stage. He got involved early in the piece, throwing down a dunk in the first couple of minutes of the match to inject some energy into his side. A pair of free throws shortly followed and the Aussie had all four of Florida’s points.

Although quieter on the offensive end as the half rolled on, the Aussie lifted defensively in the second half. Condon showed tremendous physicality in the low block, in a lift that certainly gave the Gators an edge. Left to defend the dangerous J’Wan Roberts one-on-one, Condon was immovable at times, holding the Cougars big man to eight points on 3/13 shooting from the field.

Condon had his moment in the sun on the final possession, diving on the floor to secure the loose ball after Houston did not put up a shot, and securing the National Championship in the process. It was the kind of play that was reflective of Condon’s style of play all season long; determined, gutsy and physical, and resulted in the most important play of the game.

He finished the match with 12 points on 5/9 shooting to go with seven rebounds and four steals in a huge two-way performance under the brightest of lights. Having capped off a seriously strong NCAA campaign, the NBA seems the next step for the talented Condon.