IT HAS been a year to remember for Australian basketballer Alex Condon, who has claimed the ultimate prize by winning the NCAA National Championship as a member of the Florida Gators, as well as storming into NBA Draft calculations with exceptionally strong play.

The Perth native was one of the best performers for the Gators in his second campaign with the team, and played a crucial role as his side went on a dominant run throughout the 2024/25 season. Florida won 36 of its 40 games throughout the season, and ended up emerging victorious in a thrilling final which saw the Gators hold on for a two-point win.

Condon was a crucial member of the National Champions, and speaking to Rookie Me Central, says it was a moment he’ll cherish forever.

“The National Championship was indescribable,” he said. “It was a combination of our chemistry and all the hard work the team has been putting in. “I think, overall, it’s just a crazy experience, and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

In the title match, Condon recorded 12 points and seven rebounds, being his typically reliable self and leaving nothing on the court in a tireless performance that sums up his value as a player. He was one of the key cogs in a humming Gators team all season long and capped it off on the big stage.

Never one to shy away from big hustle plays, Condon’s Aussie spirit and determination was personified in the final play of the match, when he dived on the loose ball in the dying seconds to seal the win for the Gators, and says it was a play that came instinctively.

“I actually thought there was more time left on the clock than there actually was,” Condon said. “But that is just a play that I usually make, I think. “I was kind of confused for a second, I tried to give the ball to ‘Walt’ (Walter Clayton Jr.), and time had run out. “Once I realised time had run out, I jumped up straight away, hugged my teammates and realised we were champs.”

It was the culmination of a breakout season from Condon, who was simply superb for the Gators with his impact in the frontcourt. Throughout his second season as a Gator, the Aussie averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, and personified hustle and heart whenever on the floor.

In fact, it was such a strong campaign that he bolted into contention for the 2025 NBA Draft, with some experts seeing Condon as a first round talent. He began to consistently appear on draft boards and predictions, and became Australia’s leading contender for the 2025 intake.

However, following a championship win, Condon decided to withdraw from the draft, and eventually return to the Gators in search of a second consecutive title with the team, a move that is becoming common for prospects in the modern game.

“It was a long, thought out decision, just to make sure I was doing the right thing,” he said. “Yeah we are trying to run it back. “We have a great second year team here. “Obviously Tommy (Haugh) came back, and we got some good pieces from the transfer portal too, so I was pretty intrigued to come back. “To have the same coach in Todd Golden was another big reason why I came back as well.”

With Condon set to return as well as some excellent additions throughout the last few months as well as the same coaching core that led the team to the ultimate prize in 2025, it is a very real possibility that the Gators do go back-to-back, which would cap off a tremendous campaign from the Aussie.

In terms of his own individual game, Condon is tireless in his efforts on the court, and can often make big plays through sheer will. Throughout his time in the NCAA, other areas of his game have developed too, which has undoubtedly caught the eye of NBA scouts, with the Aussie claiming his effort and playmaking are two of his biggest strengths.

“I think my motor and my passing, and I think my overall intensity as a player is very high,” he said. “Both on the defensive and the offensive end. “This year, I am developing more of a three-point shot and three-point capabilities, so I am going to shoot more threes per game.

“I think I will become much more of an overall perimeter player, which I think will transfer well over to the NBA.”

Condon’s play caught the eye of many NBA teams, and his name was suddenly under lights, along with many of his teammates. The Gators had a tremendously stacked team that delivered a trio of draftees, and the big man’s name kept coming up in draft discussions.

Although he opted to return to the Gators in search of a second title, it was undoubtedly a breakout season, but he says that while it was noticed, the added attention was not a distraction for himself or his teammates.

“We knew that if we kept winning games, and kept playing team basketball, a lot of guys would end up getting drafted,” he said. “No one was really selfish and paid attention to that sort of thing. We just played our brand of basketball, and we had three guys get picked in the NBA draft this year, and if me and Tommy stayed in, we could have had more.

“No one is really concerned about the next step, everyone is just making sure we are staying in the present moment and working hard.”

Condon is one of several Aussies to find success in the NCAA, following in the steps of Patty Mills and Andrew Bogut in forging successful collegiate careers. Both of these players went on to become NBA Champions, and the Perth native will be eager to do the same.

Condon could not speak higher of the college pathway, which is still the premier route to joining the NBA despite the emergence of other avenues in recent years, and mentioned the quality of the schools as a big positive.

“I think even the facilities are next level,” he said. “There is a lot more money that is invested into basketball every year. Right now I am sitting in the Heavener Football Facility, and there is unbelievable food and nutrition, and its all analysed.

“There is no better route than the college route right now.”

Although expected to reach the NBA in the coming years, Condon is also a gifted AFL player, having formerly represented Western Australia as a ruckman at Under 18s level where he was touted as a potential top 10 pick. Despite not committing to the sport and opting to follow his NBA dreams, he still has an agreement with the Collingwood Magpies that would see him sign as a Category-B rookie should he return to the sport.

Despite it not being his preferred sport as it stands, Condon still says he took a lot of lessons out of his time coming through the AFL pathway.

“I loved footy growing up,” he said. “I was a huge Collingwood supporter growing up too, so I was pretty stoked to get an offer from them. “Footy overall was very good for me growing up, and being able to initiate my physicality and transfer that over to my basketball.

“I think its made me a tougher overall athlete, and there are a lot of things I can do, that I don’t think I would be able to if I had not played football.”

Condon will certainly be one to watch this NCAA season, and with the addition of a three-point shot to his game on another strong Gators team, will surely be in NBA Draft calculations as well as a red-hot chance to become a two-time National Champion.