TAMPA - Florida basketball's standout junior forward, Alex Condon, is making waves in the college basketball scene. With a resume that already boasts a national championship, an SEC Tournament title, and an SEC regular season crown, Condon is eyeing something rare in today's game: a four-year stint with one team.
Standing tall at 6-foot-11, Condon is fully immersed in Florida's March Madness journey. The top-seeded Gators (27-7) are set to face the ninth-seeded Iowa (22-12) on Sunday, March 22, at Benchmark International Arena. Tip-off is at 7:10 p.m. on TBS.
Condon has been on fire lately, averaging 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and delivering five 20-point performances in his last nine outings. He contributed 13 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks in Florida's commanding 114-55 victory over Prairie View A&M in their NCAA Tournament opener.
"I'm in a great place mentally," Condon shared. "This could be my last year, so I'm soaking up every moment with the team."
When asked about his future plans-whether to return for his senior year or enter the NBA Draft-Condon admitted it's a 50-50 decision. Current projections have him as a potential late first-round pick, between the 20th and 30th spots.
"I believe I have the potential to be a lottery pick," Condon stated. "A strong March Madness run could really elevate my draft stock. I just need to keep making smart plays and helping my team."
Condon faced challenges earlier in the season, particularly after a tough game against Auburn where he scored just one point and committed six turnovers. It was a turning point for him.
"It was a wakeup call," he reflected. "I let the pressure get to me, but I've learned from it."
In Florida's offense, Condon often takes on point-forward duties, a role that suits his skill set. His season stats reveal a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (116-81), showcasing his ability to read defenses and make plays.
Off the court, factors like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation could influence his decision to stay. This season, Condon's NIL earnings are reportedly between $2-2.5 million.
Last year, his March Madness performance was hindered by an ankle sprain in the Sweet 16 against Maryland. With a healthy roster featuring guards Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin, Florida is poised for another title run.
"Fingers crossed for no injuries," Condon said. "I've been fortunate this year, and when I'm healthy, I feel like I can dominate and really enjoy playing with this team."