Condon’s NBA Rise Threatens Collingwood’s Plans
Alex Condon, a rising star for the Florida Gators, is rapidly climbing NBA draft boards, perhaps jeopardizing a notable agreement with the Collingwood Magpies. His impressive sophomore season has thrust him into the first-round conversation, a prospect that could void his contract with the Australian football club.
A calculated Gamble
Condon, a former West Australian under-18 ruckman, signed with Collingwood as a category B rookie. the Magpies, recognizing his potential NBA draft stock, made a calculated gamble, paying him for several months. This arrangement hinged on Condon not being drafted, ensuring the club secured a promising talent.
A Potential Void
Crucially, the agreement stipulated that if condon were selected by an NBA team, his Collingwood contract would be nullified. This scenario now appears increasingly likely, given Condon’s recent surge in draft projections. ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony’s assessment places Condon firmly in the first-round conversation.
A Shifting Landscape
Condon’s rise is a compelling example of how sports talent can rapidly shift the landscape of professional contracts. The Magpies’ calculated risk now faces a potential void, highlighting the unpredictable nature of athletic careers. The future of Condon’s professional path remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his NBA aspirations are rapidly gaining momentum.
condon’s Sophomore Surge: From Underdog to NBA Prospect
Alex Condon’s sophomore season has been nothing short of spectacular, propelling him from a surprising freshman success story to a potential NBA draft pick. His impressive performance has left scouts and coaches alike buzzing.
A Freshman’s Promise
Condon’s impressive freshman campaign, averaging 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds, hinted at his potential. However, his limited collegiate offers, including only Saint Mary’s and Utah, alongside Florida, underscored the unexpected nature of his rapid development.
Coach Golden’s Surprise
Even head coach Todd Golden was taken aback by Condon’s progress. “We thought we got a really good player,” Golden admitted, “but we weren’t expecting an All-SEC Freshman.” Condon’s performance clearly exceeded expectations.
Sophomore Season: Taking It to the Next Level
Condon’s sophomore year was a testament to his dedication and hard work. He seized the starting role and elevated his game to new heights.
A Playmaking Prowess
Consistently crashing the boards and playing tenacious defense, Condon became a key figure for the Gators. He also showcased improved playmaking skills and a newfound ability to shoot from beyond the arc.
SEC Player of the Week Honors
Condon’s extraordinary play earned him SEC Player of the Week honors. He averaged an impressive 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in wins over Vanderbilt and the top-ranked Auburn.
An Ankle Setback,a Positive Outcome
Condon’s impressive sophomore season almost came to a screeching halt with a serious ankle injury during a game against Mississippi State. Fortunately, X-rays revealed no major damage, and the injury was diagnosed as a right ankle sprain.
NBA Draft Projections
Condon’s breakout performance has caught the attention of NBA scouts. Recent mock drafts, including one by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy woo, project Condon as a potential pick for the Atlanta Hawks in the second round.
A Potential Lottery Pick?
Givony notes a possibility of Condon returning to college for another year,aiming for a lottery pick in the 2026 draft. His impactful two-way play is proving too compelling for NBA scouts to ignore.
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“We’re building around him and Walter (Clayton) and Alijah (Martin) and Will (Richard). The expectation for him is going to go up a lot,” Golden added.
“He’s going to start for us this year, so he’s going to be a little higher on the scouting report… we’re asking a lot more out of him. For me, my expectation is simple: I expect him to play his tail off every night.”
Golden went on to describe Condon’s competitiveness as “unique”, adding that it was never a matter of how many points the Australian scored or what his field goal percentage was like.
“Provided that he’s playing winning basketball for us, he’s going to be just fine,” Golden said.
“He’s a guy who, I’m not going to put a timetable on it, but I’m pretty confident he’s going to play at the next level at some point.”
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That looks to be the case based on Condon’s rising draft stocks, with Givony describing the Australian’s ballhandling for a big man as “excellent” and his basketball instincts as “sharp”.
“Condon is playing an essential role for the No. 3-ranked Gators, as evidenced by his outstanding performance this past weekend, outplaying potential national player of the year candidate johni Broome in a win at Auburn,” Givony wrote.
“The Australian big man acts as a significant playmaking hub in Florida’s offense with his excellent ballhandling and passing ability while covering ground fluidly defensively and making plays with his mobility and sharp basketball instincts.”
Condon played australian rules football until he was 16 years old, when he transitioned to full-time basketball with the comfort in knowing that he could always switch back if the college pathway didn’t work out.
Condon, who won gold with Western Australia at the 2023 U20 Men’s National Championships, also played a pair of exhibition games for the Boomers in June and could be Australia’s big man of the future.
