Image Credit: UAA
The 2025-26 season did not end with as much success as the defending champion Florida Gators desired, but preparations for the 2026-27 season have already gotten off to a hot start as junior forward Alex Condon announced Wednesday that he has decided to return to the program for his senior campaign. Condon, who tested the NBA Draft waters after his sophomore season, will be sticking with Florida and head coach Todd Golden once again as he continues preparing for a professional career.
After a late-season ankle injury contributed to Condon’s statistics declining as the Gators made a run toward winning the 2025 national championship, he improved in most areas as a junior with career-best averages in scoring (15.1 points), shooting (55.6%), rebounding (7.5), assists (3.6) and blocks (1.4). However, Condon also cratered as a 3-point shooter, making only 17% of his attempts (down 16% from his sophomore season) while comitting an additional turnover per game (2.4 up from 1.4).
Still, the 6-foot-11, 230-pound Australian was considered a top 30 prospect ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. As a marginal first-round selection, Condon decided to return to college, continue developing and ensure himself of an early pick in the 2027 process, which should be less competitive at the top.
Condon averaged 19.3 points over the season’s final 10 games after only scoring 19+ points in five of the prior 25 contests. That coincided with Condon tailing back his 3-point attempts and learning how to distribute out of the post, concentrating more on finding success inside on both ends of the floor.
Most evaluators still expected junior F Thomas Haugh to leave school, while many believe junior center Reuben Chinyelu could be another return candidate for Florida.
Condon’s return comes amid a slew of positive personnel news for the Gators.
Guards sophomore Boogie Fland, sophomore Isaiah Brown and redshirt junior AJ Brown all announced in late March that they were returning to the program. Fland will remain in the starting five with Isaiah Brown being given a legitimate opportunity to move into the primary lineup on the wing.
Former Florida G Denzel Aberdeen, a member of the 2025 title team, announced on April 10 that he will attempt a return after one season at Kentucky, pending NCAA approval for an additional year of eligibility. Should Aberdeen rejoin the Gators following the best statistical season of his collegiate career, he would start alongside Fland in the backcourt.
With Condon back, if Aberdeen can suit up, Florida may again be considered the favorite in the SEC without yet bringing in a new player or receiving a decision from Chinyelu.
