Rueben Chinyelu, the dominant Florida center, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return for his junior season with the Florida Gators. The former four-star recruit from NBA Academy Africa initially spent his freshman year at Washington State before transferring to Florida, where he helped lead the Gators to a National Championship last season.
Standing at 6’11”, Chinyelu is a force in the paint. While still developing his offensive skills, he has already established himself as one of the top defensive players in the SEC. His defensive stats last season were impressive, including:
- 34 blocks (ranking 19th in the SEC)
- 169 rebounds (ranking 10th in defensive rebounding in the SEC)
Chinyelu’s shot-blocking ability is one of his most valuable assets, and it’s expected to improve further in the upcoming season. Now with a full year of SEC experience, he’s primed for a major leap in 2025.
2024-2025 Season Preview
In his sophomore year, Chinyelu averaged 6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while posting an effective field goal percentage of 59.9%. His defensive game stood out even more, with a 96 defensive rating, ranking 2nd in the SEC, and a 5th place finish in total rebound percentage in the SEC.
With Alex Condon returning to Florida, the Gators’ defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Chinyelu’s growth in the coming season will be crucial to Florida’s success as they aim for another deep March Madness run and a chance to repeat as National Champions.
Key Takeaways:
- Rueben Chinyelu returns to Florida after withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft.
- The 6’11” big man excels in defense, ranking 19th in blocks and 10th in defensive rebounding in the SEC.
- Last season, Chinyelu averaged 6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a 59.9% effective field goal percentage.
- The return of Chinyelu and Alex Condon gives Florida a dominant defensive frontcourt, setting them up for a successful 2025 season.
Chinyelu’s potential as a defensive powerhouse will be key to Florida’s aspirations in the 2024-2025 season. Expect big things from him as he continues to evolve as a player and leader on the court.
