It is not every day that an athlete gets to choose between a promising career in two sports. However, Alex Condon faces this exact dilemma. The Australian has made waves in American college basketball, drawing the attention of NBA scouts as he powers through his sophomore season with the Florida Gators. He averages a solid 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, making his potential hard to ignore. But the Aussie can do more than dunk a ball through the hoop. Condon’s athleticism has also helped him excel in Australian Rules Football (AFL). His skill set and physical build make him a rare dual-sport prospect, and the AFL wants to claim him as a Category B rookie. The 20-year-old is ready to make his mark on the Australian sporting scene, and the betting community will be paying keen attention to his career path. Whether it's the NBA or AFL, he would be a popular pick on great betting sites like PlayUp to be a regular points scorer for whichever team he represents. It remains to be seen if he is destined to trade the basketball court for the footy field, but Aussie punters will bet on him to thrive in either sport.
Condon’s Rise to Prominence in the NCAA
Condon made a modest start to his NCAA career when he joined the Gators in the 2023/24 season, but it set the stage for the Aussie to achieve greater things. He was handed a limited role in his freshman season, playing in 36 games with averages of 7.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Condon had a slow start with the Gators, but he burst into life towards the end of the season, showing glimpses of his immense potential. He showed what he could do when given the chance, and his performances made him one of the first names in the starting line-up during the nail-biting March Madness tournament. Getting a taste of high-stakes competition ignited a fire in the Aussie, and he has taken his game to another level during his sophomore year. Condon’s 2024/25 season has already made headlines. His ability to anchor Florida’s defence and his rim-protecting skills are some of the many attributes that have made him so attractive to NBA scouts. He is a rare combination of size, agility and intelligence on the court, which allows him to move with fluidity despite his height. Condon, who has also shooting potential, is a tantalising prospect.
Condon’s AFL background
Condon’s basketball journey is only one part of the story. He spent part of his youth honing his skills in the AFL, representing Western Australia in the 2021 Under-17 National Championships. By all accounts, he could have become a top AFL draft pick. His physicality and endurance are precisely what make him a desirable player for any AFL team, so it is unsurprising that Collingwood are keen to snap him up as a Category B rookie. If Condon were to transition back to AFL, he would be in a unique position to enter the league through a less traditional path, having spent three years away from the sport. AFL players with a basketball background are not uncommon, and many have had great success in the league. However, his rapid progression in basketball might just keep him from returning to the footy field anytime soon.
Condon Could be Drafted to the NBA in 2025
Condon is eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft, and he has the major league within reach if he continues to develop his versatile skill set at a high level. His combination of athleticism, shot-blocking ability and potential as a shooter could make him an attractive option for NBA teams looking for a versatile big man. While he is not yet a guaranteed pick, the momentum of his sophomore season could change that, much like fellow Australian Johnny Furphy, who rose up the 2024 draft boards with a strong college season. The NBA values players who can contribute on both ends of the court. In his short time with the Gators, Condon has shown he can score efficiently and protect the rim. His rebounding has also been solid, but it is his defensive instincts and shot-blocking that will likely attract NBA scouts. Condon has taken his game to the next level, and the signs are promising. His sophomore season is off to a strong start, and his stock will only rise if he can sustain this level of performance.
