Mock draft: Alex Condon's rapid rise in latest rankings

• ‍Karim Lopez and Dash Daniels among top talents for 2026 draft
• Four players in contention for No. 1 pick with elite potential
• Class features strong top talent but questions remain about overall depth

Defending NCAA National Champion and Florida Gators big man Alex Condon is the biggest riser in ESPN's latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft with the West Australian moving all the way up to the first round.

ESPN's Jeremy Woo had Condon, who averaged 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds on Florida's way to the national championship last season, going at pick 28 - the highest the big man has been in any mock draft.

The 21-year-old's production has increased significantly in his junior year with the Gators, averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting almost 60% from the field in his four games with Florida.

"While Condon can be divisive for scouts due to concerns about his offensive output, mobility, passing flashes and defensive mentality give him tools to work with as a potential glue guy at the NBA level," Woo wrote on Condon.

"After playing a major role in Florida's 2025 title run, he'll draw longer looks this time around. He picked up basketball late and there's some untapped upside here if he can add a reliable jumper and polish his skills further. Condon has been much more productive out of the gate as a scorer, pointing the arrow in the right direction at the moment."

The rise is a major boost for Condon, who initially declared for the 2025 draft for withdrawing his name late in the process and deciding to return to the Gators.

In other news, Woo had Melbourne United Next Star Dash Daniels slipping to pick 23, despite his impressive start to the NBL season and a good showing against the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBLxNBA games in early October.

The biggest question on Daniels heading into NBL26 was his perimeter shooting but he has improved from distance, shooting 36% for United. Woo said the Bendigo product could benefit from moving to a thinner 2027 draft class.

"Daniels continues to play a useful supporting role for 11-2 Melbourne United, primarily offering sturdy defensive minutes," Woo wrote.

"The fact that he has carved out minutes at 17 years old is impressive, but he's also not getting to stretch himself offensively in a way that would significantly bolster his standing yet. As the youngest prospect on our Top 100, Daniels won't necessarily have to stay in the 2026 draft -- he could ultimately benefit from delaying and entering in a thinner 2027 class, depending on the feedback he gets."

Going to pick 23 is a big dip for Daniels, who was initially predicted to go in the top 10 by ESPN's Jonathon Givony in February.

Woo had New Zealand Breakers Next Star Karim Lopez still rated highly, going at pick 10 to the Memphis Grizzlies despite concerns surrounding his athleticism and defence.

"Lopez has been productive in his second season in Australia, making 40% of his 3s, showing progress offensively and chipping in as a rebounder, Woo wrote.

"There are some holes in his profile: He hasn't gotten to the free throw line much, and scouts have expressed concern about his athleticism and defense. Lopez may ultimately project best as a stretch-four rather than a wing. His ability to handle, be a playmaker and knock down open shots at 6-8 will keep him in conversations in this part of the draft."

Woo's rankings are significantly different to those of Sam Vecenie from The Athletic and NY Times, who had Daniels at 14, Lopez at 24 and Condon all the way down at pick 50.