GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After weeks of celebration following Florida’s thrilling and improbable run to the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball title, the program shifted gears Wednesday with its first official offseason update.

Sophomore forward Alex Condon—Florida’s leading rebounder and fourth in scoring—announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft evaluation process while preserving the option to return to college play. The move aligned with what head coach Todd Golden had already hinted at during his media availability Saturday, following the team’s high-energy tribute in front of roughly 56,000 fans at the Orange & Blue Spring Game in The Swamp.

There’s buzz around sophomore forward Alex Condon, with mock drafts projecting the 6-foot-11, 230-pound standout as a potential first-round pick. But his departure isn’t set in stone—much like the evolving 2025–26 roster, which is already undergoing changes following the exits of guards Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard. The trio were Florida’s top scorers and arguably the most dynamic backcourt in the country.

Clayton, named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after averaging 22.3 points and sinking 20 three-pointers, teamed with Martin and Richard to deliver nearly half of the team’s scoring, over half its assists, and a majority of its steals. Each arrived via transfer, each brought something unique, and together they became legends in Gator basketball history.

Richard, a Belmont transfer, was the first to commit to Todd Golden—betting on a coach fresh from San Francisco. Clayton followed from Iona, known for his elite shot-making and offensive leadership. Martin, whose defensive prowess helped Florida Atlantic reach the Final Four, rounded out the trio and elevated the roster. As Gators, they started 219 of 224 games, scored 3,223 points, and powered Florida to 36 wins and its first national title since the Billy Donovan-led back-to-backs of 2006–07.

Now they’re gone—but they’ve set a new benchmark for what Golden’s teams can be.

“The sustaining is difficult because of the expectation,” Golden said. “We’ve proven we can do it. It’s very difficult to do. But now… yeah, there’s pressure. There’s going to be a lot more pressure. As I said when I got the job, the pressure of being at Florida is a privilege. It’s better to do it here than a lot of other places.”

Whether Condon returns remains to be seen. Both Clayton and Richard tested the NBA waters last year, received feedback, and came back stronger. Condon posted 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds during the regular season, though his postseason was mixed—especially against physically dominant opponents. Still, his championship-clinching dive for the loose ball in the 65–63 win over Houston is etched in Gator lore. Condon is just one piece of the puzzle.

“We had some really productive player meetings,” Golden said. “I feel really good about where we are.”

Sophomore forward Thomas Haugh emerged as a key contributor, especially when filling in for Condon. He averaged 13.6 points and 3.5 assists over six games (five starts) and improved his shooting across the board—from 45.7% to 79.5% at the line and up 8% from deep. With versatility to play both forward spots, Haugh is poised to take on a larger role.

If returning bigs Rueben Chinyelu (6.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Micah Handlogten (2.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), and Sam Alexis (4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) stay in the fold—along with Viktor Mikic and 7-foot-9 walk-on Olivier Rioux—the Gators could field one of the most imposing frontcourts in the country. Especially if Condon and Haugh are back. The transfer portal remains a wildcard.

In the backcourt, it’s Denzel Aberdeen's moment. Again.