Skip to content Florida big man Rueben Chinyelu was a major piece for Todd Golden in the run by the Gators to the national championship. Now, Chinyelu is providing a spark to Florida as the program enters the 2025-26 season.
According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Chinyelu has announced he will withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft. A 6-foot-11 center, Chinyelu had been investigating going pro, but now he returns as a major contributor for the Gators, entering next season.
Florida's Reuben Chinyelu tells me that he will withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school next season.
A key returning piece up front for the defending national champions.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 19, 2025
RELATED: Don’t miss the top gaming options available in the Sunshine State. Grab the top Florida sports betting apps to get started today.
This past season, Chinyelu started all 40 games for a Gators program that went 36-4 all season long. Florida would capture the SEC Tournament and roll through a magnificent March Madness run.
Chinyelu’s most productive game in the postseason came with 10 points and 8 rebounds in a Sweet 16 win over Maryland. He also had 9 rebounds and 2 steals in the Final Four matchup with Auburn and 3 points, 5 rebounds and a block in the national championship game vs. Houston.
In his first season since transferring from Washington State, Chinyelu averaged 6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks while shooting 59.9% from the floor. Along with Thomas Haugh, Chinyelu gives the Gators a key piece in the frontcourt to build around coming off the national title.
Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
You might also like...
2025 RANKINGS
RAPID REACTION
saturday down south logo Read our Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, Cookie Policy
Saturday Down South is a part of the sports technology company Sportradar Solutions LLC Copyright © 2025 Sportradar Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved.
We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. We support responsible gambling. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI).
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information or Limit Use of My Sensitive Personal Information