Florida’s frontcourt has been nothing short of dominant lately, and the SEC is taking notice. Junior forward Alex Condon and junior center Rueben Chinyleu both earned major weekly honors following standout performances against South Carolina and Alabama - and if you've been watching the Gators lately, it’s easy to see why.
Let’s start with Condon, who was named co-SEC Player of the Week alongside Texas A&M’s Rashaun Agee. Against South Carolina, Condon flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. That kind of all-around impact is impressive on its own, but he didn’t stop there.
In Florida’s next game against Alabama, Condon delivered what may have been his most complete performance of the season. He matched his season high with 25 points and added seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks - all without a single turnover.
That’s not just a strong stat line, that’s historic. He became the first SEC player this century to post those numbers in a single game.
Efficiency, versatility, and poise - Condon checked every box.
This marks Condon’s first SEC Player of the Week honor this season and the fourth of his career, putting him in elite company at Florida. Only Vernon Maxwell (five) and Colin Castleton (four) have matched or surpassed that mark in Gator history.
Then there’s Rueben Chinyleu, who’s been a force in the paint all season long. His efforts earned him Naismith Player of the Week honors after back-to-back double-doubles.
He dropped 14 points and 11 rebounds against South Carolina, then followed it up with a 14-point, 17-rebound showcase against Alabama. That makes 13 double-doubles on the season for Chinyleu - the most in the SEC and sixth-most in Florida program history.
But it’s not just the numbers that tell the story. Chinyleu’s defensive presence has been a game-changer.
In the Alabama matchup, he anchored a Gator defense that limited a talented Crimson Tide frontcourt - one featuring a former NBA player - to just 26 points in the paint. That kind of interior lockdown speaks volumes about Chinyleu’s timing, physicality, and basketball IQ.
Together, Condon and Chinyleu are forming one of the most impactful frontcourt duos in the conference. Their chemistry, hustle, and ability to elevate in big moments have been key drivers behind Florida’s recent success. And with a tough road test coming up against Texas A&M (17-4, 7-1 SEC) in College Station on Saturday night, the Gators will need their big men to keep delivering.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. - and if the past week is any indication, Condon and Chinyleu are ready to keep making noise.