Big Freaky's SEC Honors: Dunks & Defense

0:00On March 11th, Florida Gators Basketball Center, Rubin Shinielu, goes by the nickname Big Freaky, thanks to his massive 6-foot-10. 265-pound build. He's putting up 11.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game this season. That strong play just earned him the South Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year award. The name stuck last season, after teammates saw him stick his tongue out in excitement following a powerful dunk. It happened more than once, and everyone embraced it right away. Shinielu says he loves the fun moniker. His journey adds even more to the story. At age 14 and already 6-foot-8 in Nigeria, a woman visiting his brother-in-law's shop suggested he try basketball as a path to education. He picked it up just a week later and never looked back. That focus also landed him, the South Eastern Conference Scholar, athlete of the Year Honor, and he plans to become a dentist someday. Coaches spotted his raw talent in inner drive from day one, praising his humility and eagerness to learn.

1:03Early on, he did unique stretches mimicking animal movements like arylas and crabs to build flexibility and strength. Those efforts paid off big time. Today, with a national title already under his belt, Shinielu eyes Florida's single season double-double record and national defensive player of... Year honors. He keeps grinding to improve across the board, staying ready for his next big shot.