SAN ANTONIO — Alex Condon of the University of Florida emerged victorious through a grueling encounter with Auburn’s Johni Broome, despite taking a physical beating. Approaching the national championship game in the NCAA Tournament final, the assertive Houston Cougars present the next challenge. Condon, who has experience in the aggressive world of Australian rules football, plans to apply this toughness on the basketball court in pursuit of victory.
Standing at 6-foot-11, the Gators’ sophomore forward occasionally struggled against Broome’s robust defense, finding himself pinned under the basket or jostling for position against Auburn’s formidable front line. “That was the roughest game I’ve competed in all season,” Condon reflected on Sunday. Despite only adding a single point and missing all five of his shot attempts, he persisted, maintaining his presence on the court and drawing critical fouls.
These occasions of intense physical play are reminiscent of his training in Australian rules football, a sport where he once shone brightly enough to secure a deal with a professional club—a potential avenue if his basketball journey falters. For now, he channels the rigorous encounters and physical confrontations from Australian “footy” into his basketball strategy. “After playing football, I became accustomed to contact and could initiate physical play against bigger opponents,” Condon explained. “The key is to confront and not shy away.”
As the Gators prepare to face Houston, they must contend with players like J’Wan Roberts, a tenacious 6-foot-8 senior center who compensates for his height with sheer strength and resolve in the paint. Sophomore Joseph Tugler mirrors Roberts both in physique and defensive prowess, notably recording four blocks in Houston’s semifinal upset against Duke. Roberts’s defense played crucial in disrupting Duke’s Cooper Flagg’s last-second shot attempt. “Players like Tugler and Roberts bring incredible reach, athleticism, and physicality near the basket,” Florida coach Todd Golden mentioned. “They exhaust their opponents.”
Fortunately for Condon, support will not be lacking. The Gators have a formidable lineup of their own, with 6-10, 260-pound Rueben Chinyelu, 7-1 Micah Handlogten, and 6-9 Thomas Haugh ready to counter. Haugh scored 12 points during his 25 minutes against Auburn, and although facing some challenges against Broome, Chinyelu led the game in rebounds with nine. “Our advantage lies in height. We just need to bring elite energy and pace,” Condon affirmed.
Eager for the challenge, Chinyelu echoed, “Approach it as a battle. It’s down to the final two teams.” Although Houston acknowledges the height and stretch advantage the Gators might have, their confidence remains undiminished. “Duke had a size advantage, but our strength is our heart,” remarked Roberts.
With the championship hanging in balance, both teams stand prepared for a formidable competition, each driven by a distinctive set of skills and determination. The clash between height and heart promises a thrilling culmination to the basketball season.