Chinyelu Declared for NBA Draft, Keeps College Option Open

0:00On April 20th, Florida Gator sent a Rubenshiya Liu just to clear for the 2025 NBA draft, but he's smartly keeping his college. Eligibility intact if he decides to come back. The 22-year-old Nigerian big man had a monster breakout season, averaging 10.9 points in leading all-power conference players with. 11.2 rebounds per game. He set a school record with 19 double doubles and earned Naysmith defensive player of the year honors. That dominance helped anchor a Gator's defense rank sixth nationally, while Florida led the country in rebounds per game and rebounding margin. Thanks in part to Chenye Liu and teammate Alex Condon. Chenye Liu's numbers jumped big time from last year. Rebounds up from 6.6 points from 6 plus. One has e-shot nearly 60% from the field and cut his fouls way down. At 6.10 and 265 pounds, he proved he's got NBA tools. Even after testing the waters last year, without a draft combine, invite.

1:00He's projected as a mid-second round pick in mock drafts, and he'll get a shot to shine at the Chicago Combine from May 10th to 17th with A, with a draw deadline of May 27th before the June 23rd and 24th draft. Condon's already committed to returning for his senior year after his own NBA peak last season. Florida coach Todd Golden now waits on all SEC wing Thomas Hall as he builds the 2026-27 roster and Chenye Liu's return looks, likely with NIO cash on the table and more room to boost his stock. Despite that rough tournament exit against Iowa, his upside keeps everyone watching close.