Florida’s Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu declare for 2025 NBA Draft, retain eligibility to return to Gators

Basketball

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Image Credit: UAA

Fresh off an incredible national championship performance and some quality play in the post, the Florida Gators and head coach Todd Golden will now be forced to wait patiently as both of their starting frontcourt players consider professional careers. Sophomore forward Alex Condon and junior center Rueben Chinyelu this week announced that they have declared for the 2025 NBA Draft but will do so while retaining eligibility to return to the Gators if they so choose.

Condon averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 blocks this season while shooting 49% from the field, 33% from 3-point range and 60% from the charity stripe.

His play through most of the campaign had NBA evaluators salivating about his potential at the next level with many believing — should he continue progressing — he could be a first-round pick by season’s end. Some still consider him a top-30 prospects, which would likely place him as a second-round selection.

However, a late ankle injury forced Condon to miss multiple games, and he was never quite the same player upon returning to the court. In fact, he was outplayed head-to-head by classmate Thomas Haugh, his backup, through the entirety of the postseason, though Condon did shine late in the national championship with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals along with 4 turnovers.

Combined over the last three games of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Condon made seven baskets yet committed 10 turnovers and 10 fouls. A player who was regularly posting double-doubles, he averaged 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in March Madness — well below his regular-season numbers — as competition and pressure increased.

“Representing the University of Florida has been an absolute honor, and I’m truly grateful to Coach Golden, Coach Hartman, and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and giving me opportunity to grow both on and off the court,” Condon wrote while announcing his future intentions. “I also have a great appreciation for my teammates for pushing me every day and sharing some unforgettable moments together. Winning a national championship with this group is something I’ll always be proud of.”

Chinyelu started every game for Florida posting 6.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and nearly a block per contest while averaging 60% from the field and 58% from the charity stripe. Still considered raw as an NBA prospect, it would be even more surprising if he remains in the draft process, though teams could be attracted to his developmental attributes — and there are more options than ever before for players to make money without actually being on an NBA roster.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the University of Florida, the amazing Gators fans and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” Chinyelu wrote in his announcement. “To Coach Golden, the entire coaching staff, our managers and my teammates, thank you for believing in me, pushing me and helping me grow both as a player and a person. Your support means everything to me. One of the greatest moments of my life has been winning a championship with my brothers. That’s a memory I’ll cherish forever and an experience I’ll always hold close to my heart.