Nigerian basketball sensation Reuben Chinyelu has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility at the University of Florida.
Reuben Chinyelu, a standout starter for the Florida Gators, was instrumental in their recent 2025 NCAA Championship win, helping the team edge out the Houston Cougars in a tightly contested final.
His basketball journey began in Nigeria in 2018, and by 2019, he was already representing the country at the FIBA U-16 Afrobasket. There, he led Nigeria to a third-place finish and emerged as the tournament’s top rebounder. Despite his standout performance, the team narrowly missed out on qualification for the FIBA U-17 World Cup, as only the top two teams advanced.
Reuben Chinyelu’s talent earned him a place at the NBA Academy in Saly, Senegal, where he continued to develop his game. He drew international attention after leading NBA Academy Africa to victory at the 2022 NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, once again finishing as the tournament’s top rebounder.
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He began his college career at Washington State University before transferring to the University of Florida for his sophomore year. Known for his elite rebounding and defensive presence, Chinyelu helped guide the Gators to their third NCAA national title.
Following the championship, he took to social media to share an emotional farewell message to his coaches and teammates, officially announcing his decision to enter the 2025 NBA Draft.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I’m incredibly grateful for the University of Florida, the amazing Gators fans, and everyone who has supported me through this journey,” Chinyelu wrote.
“To Coach Golden, the entire coaching staff, our managers, and my teammates, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and helping me grow both as a player and a person. Your support means everything to me.
“One of the greatest moments of my life has been winning a championship with my brothers. That’s a memory I’ll cherish forever and an experience I’ll always hold close to my heart.
“After careful consideration and discussion with my family, I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility to return to the University of Florida. This is a step forward in chasing my dream of playing at the highest level. Thank you all for the continued love and support, Go Gators!”
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