The Florida Gators clinched the NCAA national basketball championship in a two-point thriller over the Houston Cougars, creating a peculiar scenario where the Collingwood Magpies could now miss out on a young prospect.
Alex Condon made the pivotal decision to walk away from footy in 2021, at a time when he was considered a likely top prospect for the following year's draft.
Instead, he set his sights on a basketball career, a move that with each new mock NBA draft, appears to be paying off.
But as part of a quiet contingency plan for the Western Australian, Condon committed to Collingwood should his basketball journey in the US fall short.
While no official contract was signed, Condon had given a commitment to join Collingwood as a category B rookie if he wasn't drafted into the NBA.
The category B rookie spot is reserved for players who meet specific criteria. In Condon's case, his eligibility would come from having not registered in an Australian Football competition for three years immediately before inclusion on the Rookie List.
Whatever hopes Collingwood had of landing the big man now appear all but gone after his standout performance in Tuesday's championship game.
Condon finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Although he started slowly (like the rest of his team, who trailed by 12 at halftime) he delivered when it mattered, showcasing his hustle and defensive presence down the stretch, capped off by a spectacular dive for a loose ball to seal the game.
ALEX CONDON COMES UP WITH THE LOOSE BALL AND FLORIDA WINS THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! ๐ ๐
CONDON BECOMES THE 6TH EVER AUSTRALIAN TO BECOME AN #NCAA CHAMP!!! ๐ฆ๐บ pic.twitter.com/gJ4rTt5WSY
โ ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) April 8, 2025
The NBA draft takes place in June this year where Condon is predicted to be a second round selection alongside fellow Aussies Alex Toohey, Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.
And as for the Pies, it's back to the drawing board.
