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Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu Enters 2026 NBA Draft With College Eligibility Intact

Pre-draft evaluations will guide his choice before the May 27 withdrawal deadline.

Overview

  • Chinyelu, who announced his decision Monday, will test the NBA draft process while keeping the option to return to Florida.
  • He plans to attend the NBA scouting combine in Chicago starting May 10 to gather feedback before the NCAA’s May 27 date to withdraw and stay in school.
  • The 6-foot-10 Nigerian averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds and became Florida’s first player in 50 years to post a season-long double-double.
  • He swept major defensive honors from the SEC, Naismith and NABC, recorded 19 double-doubles and had three 20-rebound games, though he struggled in the NCAA loss to Iowa with zero points and one rebound.
  • Florida has seven returnees including Alex Condon, so Chinyelu’s call could preserve a veteran frontcourt for another title run or create a major hole up front.