NCAAB analyst makes bold claim for 2025-26 season, heaps praise on Florida, Houston and Purdue

CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein has some bold takes for the upcoming basketball season. Rothstein reported on X on Tuesday that Florida big man Alex Condon will withdraw from the 2025 NBA draft to return to the university for his junior season.

Rothstein then quoted his post and highlighted how Condon's decision impacts college basketball.

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Rothstein suggested that the Gators could be repeat national champions. Florida last achieved this feat in 2006 and 2007, and Condon highlighted the possibility of securing a second consecutive national championship as one of the reasons he decided to return to Florida.

"It's a hard thing to do, winning back-to-back," Condon said, according to ESPN. "We're not taking it lightly. ... Part of the reason we were so good last season was we got used to playing with each other for two years. We need to continue that. When guys have your back, that's what makes a great team."

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Final Four-Florida Champions Celebration - Source: Imagn

Rothstein also predicted that Houston, which Florida beat in the title game, will be "elite" next season. Cougars guard Milos Uzan has also withdrawn from the NBA draft to return to college.

Uzan started in all 40 games for Houston last season and led the squad in assists (4.3). His return is major for a Cougars team aiming to win a championship after serving as a No. 1 seed in March Madness three seasons in a row.

Purdue was also mentioned as a top contender in Rothstein's post. The Boilermakers were a No. 4 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament and fell to top-seeded Houston in the Sweet 16. Next season, the Final Four will take place in Indianapolis, just over an hour from Purdue.

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Championship-Houston vs Florida - Source: Imagn

What Alex Condon's return means for Florida

Alex Condon led Florida in rebounds (7.5) and blocks (1.3) in his sophomore season. Condon also contributed 10.6 points, 2.2 assists and 0.9 steals per game. The 6-foot-11 forward is a versatile, sizable player who emerged as a reliable starter for the Gators this season. He expressed his excitement about returning for his junior year.

"It's a really good situation waiting for me there," Condon said, according to ESPN. "A great coach with Todd Golden. Teammates I won a national championship with. I have great chemistry with those boys. We have a good transfer class coming in. I expect guys to make a leap. My big man coach, Carlin Hartman, is returning, so I will keep developing my game with him."

Condon was an essential part of Florida's championship-winning squad this season and will aim to lead the team to another title next season.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter