Why Alex Condon’s Unexpected Choice to Stay Could Change the Gators’ Future—and the NBA Draft Landscape

There’s a buzz swirling around Gainesville this season, and if you ask me, it’s centered squarely on Alex Condon—the lanky Florida forward who’s caught the eye of scouts, fans, and pundits alike as the NBA draft decision clock ticks down. CBS Sports has thrown its weight behind the notion that the best move for Condon might just be staying put, returning to the Gators’ nest for another year to sharpen his game and pump up that draft stock. After a campaign where he notched solid numbers—double-digit points, nearly eight boards a night, plus a clogging 49 blocks—and brushed off an ankle injury come March Madness, Condon remains a pillar inside the SEC hardwood. Seeing him next season with potential frontcourt mates like Xaivian Lee and Rueben Chinyelu could be exactly what Florida needs to climb back toward college basketball’s summit. With the NBA’s withdrawal deadline fast approaching, every eye in Gator Nation stays glued to the big man’s call—because his choice could rewrite the storyline for 2025-26. Intrigued? Yeah, me too. LEARN MOREThe deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the NBA draft and maintain NCAA eligibility is May 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Gator Nation is closely watching Condon’s decision, which can have a big impact on the team next season.CBS Sports’ Cameron Salerno names Condon as the No. 1 player who could boost his long-term stock by coming back for another season in Gainesville.Condon’s presence next season–alongside Xaivian Lee, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu and Boogie Fland–would give the Gators the boost they need to reach the college basketball mountaintop once again.Condon declared for the draft after a standout season in 2024 in which he averaged 10.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and had 49 total blocks.Florida basketball forward Alex Condon continues to be one of the most closely watched names in college basketball’s NBA draft decision window, and CBS Sports has now spotlighted him as a player who should return to school.

“Condon started all but two games during a magical 2024-25 season and recorded at least 10 rebounds in 10 regular-season games last year. Florida’s star big man didn’t match that production in the NCAA Tournament. He suffered an ankle injury against Maryland in the Sweet 16 but was able to return for the stretch run. If Condon stays and plays well, he could become a lottery pick in 2026.”This is everything Salerno said about the 6-foot-11-inch Florida basketball forward.

Everything CBS Sports said about Condon

“Another college year could do wonders for Condon’s long-term draft stock. The 6-foot-11 forward/center is projected to go at the end of the first round in several mock drafts, but he could easily slide into the second round if he stays. That’s why returning to school — where he would reinforce the deepest frontcourt in the country — is the wise decision,” Salerno said.Despite an ankle injury suffered during the NCAA Tournament, Condon appeared in 38 games and was one of the most consistent interior players in the SEC.

CBS Sports’ list of declared prospects who should return to school

• Alex Condon (Florida Gators)
• Miles Byrd (San Diego State Aztecs)
• Otega Oweh (Kentucky Wildcats)
• Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn Tigers)
• Milos Uzan (Houston Cougars)

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