Rueben Chinyelu enters NBA draft, maintains NCAA eligibility
Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu will go through the NBA draft process, but he'll return to Florida if he withdraws.
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!!
" JOSHUA 1:9 🤲🏾🧡💙 pic. twitter. com/FrIlcDhdyc — RUEBEN CHINYELU™️ (@am_rueben) April 20, 2026 Chinyelu averaged a double-double in 2025-26 with 10.