NFL
Seahawks keen to trade down, even within division
Seattle Seahawks are open to trading down in the NFL draft, even with division rivals.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Rueben Chinyelu enters NBA draft, maintains NCAA eligibility
TL;DR
Rueben Chinyelu, Florida center and National Defensive Player of the Year, has declared for the NBA draft while keeping his NCAA eligibility. He plans to return to the University of Florida if he decides to withdraw from the draft.
Key points
- Rueben Chinyelu declares for the NBA draft
- Maintains NCAA eligibility to return to Florida
- Named National Defensive Player of the Year
Rueben ChinyeluFlorida Gators
Florida center and National Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu clarified his future plans on Monday.
Chinyelu will enter the NBA draft while retaining collegiate eligibility. Should he withdraw, Chinyelu plans to return to the University of Florida.
"I would like to thank God for the growth, strength and guidance he has given me through all of my successes and challenges throughout my career to this point," Chinyelu wrote. "Thank you, Coach Golden, Coach Hartman, the entire coaching staff, trainers and team managers for investing their time and energy into me, and helping shape me into the man I am today.
"To my teammates, our brotherhood, bond and memories will stay with me forever. Thank you to the Rowdy Reptiles and all of Gator Nation for the love and support I've received since I arrived on campus. With that being said, I am declaring for the NBA draft, while maintaining my college eligibility to return to the University of Florida, if I decide to withdraw. Forever grateful always!!"
Chinyelu averaged a double-double in 2025-26 with 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He is the first Gator in five decades to average more than 10 rebounds per game. The Enugwu-Agidi, Nigeria, native set program single-season records with 19 double-doubles and 137 offensive rebounds.
In addition to the Naismith and NABC National Defensive Player of the Year awards, Chinyelu was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He ranks second all-time among Florida transfers with 655 rebounds.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire:
Q&A
What are Rueben Chinyelu's plans for the NBA draft?
Rueben Chinyelu has declared for the NBA draft but is maintaining his NCAA eligibility to return to the University of Florida if he withdraws.
Who is Rueben Chinyelu and what awards has he received?
Rueben Chinyelu is a center for the Florida Gators and was named the National Defensive Player of the Year.
What does it mean to maintain NCAA eligibility while entering the NBA draft?
Maintaining NCAA eligibility allows a player to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to college basketball without losing their eligibility.
