The University of Florida announced Thursday that Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu has decided to pull out of the 2026 NBA Draft and will rejoin a talent-rich Gators roster.
The 22-year-old posted averages of 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds across 35 games, starting every contest for Florida last season. Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 245 pounds, the center broke multiple university records with 19 double-doubles and 137 offensive rebounds in a single season.
After participating in the NBA combine in Chicago the previous week, Chinyelu chose to head back to Gainesville, Florida.
The Gators will welcome back 11 players from their Southeastern Conference championship squad from 2025-26. The returning roster features All-SEC forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon, along with guard Boogie Fland.
Chinyelu has spent two years with Florida after making the move from Washington State at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
