Florida's Rueben Chinyelu declares for the NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility
Florida center Rueben Chinyelu is entering the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. Chinyelu still could end up teaming up with Condon and maybe small forward Thomas Haugh for a third consecutive season in Gainesville and another shot at a second national title.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida center Rueben Chinyelu is entering the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. Chinyelu announced his decision Monday, five days after teammate and fellow big man Alex Condon said he is returning to the Gators for “ one more .
” Chinyelu still could end up teaming up with Condon and maybe small forward Thomas Haugh for a third consecutive season in Gainesville and another shot at a second national title. Chinyelu has until May 27 to decide whether to return to school or stay in the draft. The weeklong NBA scouting combine begins May 10 in Chicago and will provide Chinyelu feedback on his pro potential.
The 6-foot-10, 265-pound Nigerian became the first Florida player in 50 years to average a double-double, totaling 10. 9 points and 11. 2 rebounds a game last season.
The Gators were 19-0 when Chinyelu notched a double-double, and he brought an unmatched level of physicality to the floor. He was named defensive player of the year by the Southeastern Conference, the Naismith Awards and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Seven players from last year's team already have re-signed to play for coach Todd Golden: Condon, point guard Boogie Fland, shooting guard Urban Klavzar and role players Isaiah Brown, AJ Brown, Alex Lloyd and Alex Kovatchev.