Florida center and National Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu clarified his future plans on Monday.
Chinyelu will enter the NBA draft while retaining collegiate eligibility. Should he withdraw, Chinyelu plans to return to the University of Florida.
“I would like to thank God for the growth, strength and guidance he has given me through all of my successes and challenges throughout my career to this point,” Chinyelu wrote. “Thank you, Coach Golden, Coach Hartman, the entire coaching staff, trainers and team managers for investing their time and energy into me, and helping shape me into the man I am today.
“To my teammates, our brotherhood, bond and memories will stay with me forever. Thank you to the Rowdy Reptiles and all of Gator Nation for the love and support I’ve received since I arrived on campus. With that being said, I am declaring for the NBA draft, while maintaining my college eligibility to return to the University of Florida, if I decide to withdraw. Forever grateful always!!”
Chinyelu averaged a double-double in 2025-26 with 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He is the first Gator in five decades to average more than 10 rebounds per game. The Enugwu-Agidi, Nigeria, native set program single-season records with 19 double-doubles and 137 offensive rebounds.
In addition to the Naismith and NABC National Defensive Player of the Year awards, Chinyelu was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He ranks second all-time among Florida transfers with 655 rebounds.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Rueben Chinyelu enters NBA draft, maintains NCAA eligibility
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
