The rising junior started all 40 games at center for the national champion Gators
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Rising junior center Rueben Chinyelu will withdraw from the NBA Draft process and return to Florida, he announced via his social media accounts<https://x.com/am_rueben/status/1924513306758263245> on Monday. Chinyelu competed in the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago May 9-11.
In his sophomore season, his first as a Gator, Chinyelu averaged 6.0 points and 6.6 rebounds with a .599 field goal percentage and 34 blocked shots. He was a key component to the Gators’ improved defense and outstanding +8.4 rebounding margin in 2024-25.
The 6-foot-10 native of Nigeria recorded four double-doubles, including a 19-point, 13-rebound effort at LSU. He grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds in the Gators’ rout of top-ranked Tennessee in January. Chinyelu led or co-led the Gators in rebounding 12 times last season, including his team-high nine in the Final Four win vs. Auburn.
In two contests in G League Elite Camp action, Chinyelu averaged 5.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
2025-26 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
Following a 15-1 home record, nine sellout crowds, and the highest attendance since the 2016-2017 season, the defending National Champions are set for another exciting year in the O’Dome. Season ticket packages<https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets> for the 2025-2026 campaign are on sale now and selling quickly. Be sure to secure your seats while supplies last!
