F Alex Condon opts out of NBA draft, returns to Florida

Forward Alex Condon, who played a key role in Florida's run to the national championship, will return for his junior season after telling ESPN on Tuesday that he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-11 native of Australia averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 37 games (35 starts) for the Gators in 2024-25.

"It's a really good situation waiting for me there," Condon told ESPN. "A great coach with Todd Golden. Teammates I won a national championship with. I have great chemistry with those boys. We have a good transfer class coming in. I expect guys to make a leap. My big man coach Carlin Hartman is returning, so I will keep developing my game with him."

The deadline for players to withdraw from the June 25-26 draft and maintain their college eligibility is Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Condon is ranked No. 38 in ESPN's latest draft projections. The third-team All-Southeastern Conference selection shot 49.3 percent from the field and 32.8 percent (19 of 58) from 3-point distance this season.

He contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and four steals in Florida's 65-63 victory against Houston in the NCAA Tournament final on April 7.

"It's a hard thing to do, winning back-to-back," Condon said. "We're not taking it lightly. We need to get together as a team. ... Part of the reason we were so good last season was we got used to playing with each other for two years. We need to continue that. When guys have your back, that's what makes a great team."

--Field Level Media