Rueben Chinyelu announced he will return to UF after withdrawing from the NBA Draft.
Chinyelu Announces Return to Florida
Monday, May 19, 2025 | Men's Basketball
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 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 for the 2025–2026 campaign are on sale now and selling quickly. Be sure to secure your seats while supplies last!
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.
Déjà vu….🥷🏽
— RUEBEN ABUCHI CHINYELU (@am_rueben) May 19, 2025
Iykyk… pic.twitter.com/9Tlin8WZpa
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 for the 2025–2026 campaign are on sale now and selling quickly. Be sure to secure your seats while supplies last!
Players Mentioned
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