Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu Declares for NBA Draft, Keeps Return Option Open

Florida's Rueben Chinyelu declares for the NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility

Florida center Rueben Chinyelu is entering the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. Chinyelu's announcement came five days after teammate and fellow big man Alex Condon said he is returning to the Gators for “one more.”

Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu declares for NBA Draft, maintains eligibility for possible return to Gators

Florida center Rueben Chinyelu declares for the NBA Draft, but maintains his eligibility for possible return to Gators.

Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu declares for NBA Draft, keeps return option open

The center has the option of going pro or staying in Gainesville.

Rueben Chinyelu Declares for 2026 NBA Draft, Maintains Eligibility – WRUF 98.1 FM

Florida center Rueben Chinyelu announced that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, leaving the door open for a return to Florida Gators men’s basketball next season. Chinyelu shared the news via social media Monday, thanking his coaches, teammates and supporters in Gainesville. The SEC and National Defensive Player of the Year won a championship as Florida’s starting center in 2025, while ultimately c…

Chinyelu Declaring for NBA Draft, Maintaining Eligibility

If the national defensive player of the year withdraws, he will return to Florida.

Rueben Chinyelu declares for NBA Draft, will maintain college eligibility

Rueben Chinyelu will enter the NBA Draft. The star Florida Gators center announced the news Monday evening, also insisting that he will maintain his college eligibility and return to Florida if he decides to withdraw from the draft. Here’s a look at Chinyelu’s announcement, which he posted on his personal X account. JOSHUA 1:9 pic.twitter.com/FrIlcDhdyc— RUEBEN CHINYELU (@am_rueben) April 20, 2026 This has been expected news for Gator fans and …