Standout center Rueben Chinyelu returns to Gators, bolsters title hopes
GAINESVILLE - Florida's hopes for another national title run received a massive boost when standout center Rueben Chinyelu announced Thursday he will withdraw from the NBA draft and return for his senior season.
Chinyelu's decision gives coach Todd Golden one of the nation's most imposing frontcourts and solidifies the Gators as an early favorite in the SEC and national title races entering the 2026-27 season.
Chinyelu tested the NBA waters after emerging as one of the nation’s premier rebounders and defenders. The 22-year-old participated in the recent NBA draft combine in Chicago, where his stature drew attention of decision-makers with the league’s 30 teams.
The native of Nigeria measured 6-foot-9 ¼ without shoes, weighed 259 pounds and recorded a combine-best hand length of 10 inches and wingspan of 7-foot-7 ½. He also fared well during scrimmages, finishing with 15 points and 14 rebounds in one of them, and was solid during shooting drills despite the need to expand his offensive game.
But Chinyelu ultimately decided another year at Florida provided him the opportunity for long-term development and a chance to add a second national championship to the program’s 2025 crown.
His return gives the Gators a dominant interior trio also featuring All-SEC star forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon, who each declined professional opportunities to stay at Florida.
Chinyelu averaged 11.2 rebounds last season to lead all power-conference players while setting a school record with 19 double-doubles. He also earned Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honors as Florida finished sixth nationally in defensive efficiency, according to Ken Pomeroy's metrics.
Nevertheless, Chinyelu was still considered a second-round prospect while he looks to improve his offensive repertoire and shooting ability.
Chinyelu averaged 10.9 points last season, up from six per game in 2024-25, while shooting 58.4% from the field and 69.5% from the free-throw line. He showed improved discipline on the defensive end last season, fouling out just three times after being disqualified six times as a sophomore.
But Chinyelu ended his breakout season 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.
He’ll now return to a Florida roster loaded beyond the frontcourt.
Guard Boogie Fland is expected to run the offense and be among the SEC’s best defenders, while Denzel Aberdeen returns to bolster the backcourt. He transferred to Florida after the leaving the 2025 national champions for Kentucky, where he shined as a full-time starter. SEC Sixth Man of the Year Urban Klavzar also is back.
Golden added two intriguing international prospects: 6-foot-10 forward Arturas Butajevas of Lithuania and 6-foot-9 Domen Petrovic of Slovenia.
With Chinyelu back in the fold, Florida now possesses the size, experience and continuity few programs can match.
And after helping deliver a national championship, Chinyelu made clear he is returning to Gainesville with high expectations.
"We were going out there, and the mindset is to get it all," Chinyelu said during the draft process. "If I go back, I'm not settling for less."
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 1:09 PM.