Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh part of Florida's offseason workouts after enrolling early
The incoming freshmen for the Gators men’s basketball team typically enroll in school for the Summer B semester. The two signees from Florida’s 2023 class, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, got a head start on their college careers.
Condon and Haugh reported to campus this month and started Summer A classes last week. On Monday, the freshmen bigs took part in the first offseason workout for the Gators.
“The first (workout), it got to me a little bit. It all came at me really fast, especially all the shooting on the move,” Haugh told Chris Harry of FloridaGators.com. “My goal is to keep improving with my shooting, my ball-handling, just every aspect of my game.”
Florida coach Todd Golden described Haugh (pronounced “Howk”) as a “6-foot-9 hybrid skilled forward that can dribble, pass, and shoot” as well as defend multiple positions. On3 ranked Haugh as the nation’s No. 33 power forward in the 2023 class.
After committing to UF as unranked prospect, Condon debuted in the top 150 of the On300 and ranks 119th nationally and No. 23 at the power forward position. The NBA Global Academy product brings size to the front court at 6-foot-11, 230 pounds.
“I want to make a mark from the start,” Condon told Harry. “I have the mindset to guard guys and not play scared. I’ve played against ex-pros and some great competition in Australia. I won’t play scared. That’s the biggest thing for me and my freshman season. Hopefully that’ll get me minutes.”
With the departure of Colin Castleton, Jason Jitoboh, Alex Fudge, CJ Felder, the Gators will get immediate help in the front court from a trio of incoming transfers in Marshall center Micah Handlogten, Yale power forward EJ Jarvis and Seton Hall forward Tyrese Samuel.
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But with only one returning big in Aleks Szymczyk, the two true freshmen provide some much-need depth for the Gators and could work their way into the rotation, especially by enrolling early and going through summer workouts.
“I think both can help us next year,” Golden said of Condon and Haugh.
“Whatever role Coach has for me, that’s what I’ll do,” Haugh said. “Obviously, the other bigs aren’t here yet, but I have confidence in myself. I feel if I put my mind to something I can do it.”
For Condon, the head start on school has helped his make his transition easier from Australia to America.
“It’s been really good to make connections with the boys,” Condon said. “And the coaches have been awesome transitioning me from the other side of the world.”
