GAINESVILLE — Florida standout center Rueben Chinyelu declared for the NBA Draft on Monday, while maintaining his college eligibility if he were to decide to return to school.
Chinyelu, who announced his decision on social media, is projected as a second-round pick, but will have the opportunity to impress NBA decision-makers and receive feedback from teams during the draft combine May 10-17 in Chicago. He can withdraw from consideration by May 27 for the June 23-24 draft.
The 22-year-old from Nigeria declared for the 2025 draft and worked out for teams, but was not invited to the combine. He returned to UF and improved as much as any player in the SEC.
The 6-foot-10, 265-pound Chinyelu led all power-conference players with an average of 11.2 rebounds, up from 6.6 the previous season, and set a school-record with 19 double-doubles. Named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Chinyelu anchored a defense ranked sixth nationally, according to Ken Pomeroy’s metrics.
Chinyelu also averaged 10.9 points, up from six per game, while shooting 58.4% from the field and 69.5% from the free-throw line. He showed improved discipline, fouling out three times after being disqualified six times in 2024-25.
Behind Chinyelu and 6-foot-11, 236-power forward Alex Condon, the Gators led the nation in rebounds per game and rebounding margin.
Condon announced last week he would return for his senior season a year after he too explored his NBA options before returning to college.
Florida now awaits All-SEC small forward Thomas Haugh’s decision as coach Todd Golden assembles the 2026-27 roster.
Chinyelu’s return for a third season at UF is possible, if not likely. Despite his dominance as a rebounder and defender, along with an expanded offensive repertoire, Chinyelu has room to grow to secure a strong NBA draft position — especially with lucrative NIL opportunities available. Various mock drafts project him as a mid second-round pick.
He ended his breakout season, however, on a sour note. In a 73-72 loss to Iowa during the second round of the NCAA Tournament, he finished with zero points, one rebound and four fouls in 20 minutes.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com