Florida got their first commitment of the 2027 class on Tuesday as forward Ian Condon picked the Gators live on a 247 Sports stream.
Condon has no relation to Alex Condon, though the Gators will hope he ends up on the same trajectory. Ian Condon hails from Washington where he attends Sidwell Friends School, a quality academic and athletic program that gave Condon a national schedule to test his talents against some of the best players in the country. He also plays for Team Melo on the Summer circuit.
As a player, Condon is a unique do-it-all forward, the type of player you saw a lot more in the 2000’s but isn’t as common now in the world of specialism. Standing at 6’7” and weighing 220 pounds he could play either forward spot and contribute in a number of ways, either winning with physicality or skill. There is a definite toughness to his game that sees him easily compete with bigger players when working in the post, and he still keeps that tenacity if he is in a perimeter setting. The motor is unmatched by anyone in the 2027 class, and you will see him sprint the floor relentlessly whether to try and get ahead of the play offensively or chase down opponents on defense.
If there was one elite skill to point to for Condon, in addition to the motor and toughness–it would be shooting. Many high school players, even ones considered elite at shooting, don’t have great percentages at the high school or AAU level but that isn’t the case with Condon who has always been efficient despite heavy volume and a high level of difficulty. Whether sprinting in transition, curling off a screen, or facing a heavy contest–Condon finds ways to consistently make shots. His strong base also allows him to shoot from great range, something that will serve him well as he adjusts to the college game.
Condon has been a 3-star throughout the recruiting process but just recently got the jump to 4-star status, perhaps in part due to the expected commitment to Florida, and he is currently ranked 101st nationally. Florida earned Condon’s commitment over Boston College, Georgia Tech, NC State, and California. As you can see, academics played a pretty large role in his decision as well. You might be questioning why he isn’t ranked higher, and that is largely due to the fact that his athleticism doesn’t jump off the page, and he might not have the exact size coaches are looking for if they see him as a frontcourt option.
Florida, however, sees Condon as a player who can play multiple positions due to his versatility and someone whose tenacity and work ethic will allow him to find a way to contribute at a high level at the top of the sport. Condon is a smart, high character kid who has great toughness, the ability to contribute in different ways, and an elite jump shot–and Florida thinks a guy like that will find a way to shine.
No matter who else the Gators bring in, whether through the high school route or the transfer portal, Condon will be able to fit in and compliment any teammate or style of play. Getting this kind of versatility as an initial piece in the 2027 class gives the coaching staff some roster building versatility knowing that whatever happens Condon will fit.
Florida will now shift their focus to the backcourt where they hope to bring in a top target from the high school ranks in addition to what they’ll look to add in the transfer portal.