Florida junior Rueben Chinyelu declares for draft, leaves return open
Florida junior Rueben Chinyelu announced Monday that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility.
Florida junior Rueben Chinyelu announced Monday on social media that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. Chinyelu was the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 10. 9 points, 11.
2 rebounds and one block while shooting 58. 4% from the field in 35 games. He led the country in total rebounds (393) and was 19th in defensive rating (93.
6). The 6-foot-10 center is the first Gators player since the 1975-76 season to average a double-double. He set single-season program records for double-doubles (19) and offensive rebounds (137), while his 393 total rebounds ranked third.
JOSHUA 1:9 🤲🏾🧡💙 pic. twitter. com/FrIlcDhdyc — RUEBEN CHINYELU™️ (@am_rueben) April 20, 2026 Chinyelu is currently projected to be a second-round pick this year, thanks to his defensive tenacity and ability to protect the rim.