Condon Withdraws From NBA Draft, Returns to Florida for Junior Season

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Australian basketball player Condon announced Tuesday that he will withdraw his name from the 2025 NBA draft and return for his junior season at the University of Florida. Condon, who played a vital role in helping the Gators win the national championship, explained his decision to ESPN.

“It’s a really good situation waiting for me there,” Condon said. “A great coach with Todd Golden. Teammates I won a national championship with. I have great chemistry with those boys.” Condon added that he expects new transfer players to contribute significantly to the team’s performance.

Ranked as the No. 38 prospect in ESPN’s draft projections, Condon averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during the championship season. He expressed that repeating the success from last season will require hard work and teamwork.

“It’s a hard thing to do, winning back-to-back,” he said. “We need to get together as a team. Get back to Gainesville, share in some hardship through hard work in the summer, and get used to playing with each other.”

Condon was recognized as a third-team All-SEC after contributing to Florida’s 36-4 record, which included 12 consecutive wins to finish the season. His performance in the national championship game featured 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a crucial steal against Houston.

“This was a surreal season,” Condon reflected. “There was so much depth on this team, and we all played unselfishly. We had a great team, and that’s the reason we won the championship.”

Originally from Perth, Australia, Condon transitioned to basketball later in life, initially playing cricket and Australian rules football. He credited his diverse sports background for developing his agility and competitive spirit.

As the NCAA deadline for withdrawing from the NBA draft approaches, Condon said he worked out for eight NBA teams before deciding to return for another collegiate season. He emphasized the growth he experienced during his draft preparation.

“I learned a lot about myself,” Condon said. “My jumper has improved immensely with how much work I’ve put into that. My overall offensive package will be on display more at Florida next season.” Golden’s Gators are projected to be a top-ranked team next year, bolstered by returning players and new talent from various transfers.