Florida center Rueben Chinyelu has withdrawn from the 2026 NBA Draft and will play his senior season with the Gators, the program announced Monday.
The 6’10” Nigerian averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game as a junior, helping Florida capture a national title in 2024-25. His defensive impact earned him both the Naismith and NABC Defensive Player of the Year honors, along with a spot on the All-SEC second team.
Chinyelu entered the draft process this spring and impressed at the combine in Chicago, recording 14 points and 15 rebounds in his second scrimmage and posting standout wingspan measurements. Despite the showing, he was projected outside the first round—No. 50 on ESPN’s big board and No. 48 in Jeremy Woo’s latest mock draft.
He joins fellow frontcourt players Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon in opting to stay in Gainesville, positioning Florida as a likely preseason No. 1, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
NCAA early entrants have until May 27 to withdraw and maintain college eligibility, while the NBA’s international withdrawal deadline is June 13.
Source: Hoops Rumors
