Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu Withdraws From NBA Draft in Huge Win for Todd Golden
Summary
Rueben Chinyelu, a top basketball player for the Florida Gators, decided to leave the 2026 NBA Draft and play another college season. He was a key player last year, winning several defensive awards and setting team records.Key Facts
- Chinyelu is a 6-foot-10 center who played for Florida in the 2025-26 season.
- He averaged 10.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game last season.
- He won the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and NABC Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- He set a Florida record with 19 double-doubles and 137 offensive rebounds in one season.
- Chinyelu is originally from Nigeria and came to the U.S. through the NBA Academy Africa.
- He started college at Washington State before transferring to Florida in 2024.
- Despite interest from NBA scouts and attending the NBA Combine, he chose to return to Florida for the 2026-27 college season.
- His return gives Florida a strong frontcourt and boosts their chances for the next basketball season.
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