Chinyelu Invited to NBA Draft Combine

0:00On May 1st, Florida's star center Rubin Chenyelu just got the invite to the 2026 NBA draft combine. The league announced 73 players for the event, running May 10th through 17th at Winchester Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. This 6-foot tin, 2065-pound Nigerian big man, declared for the draft back in April, but kept his college eligibility so he could. Return to the gators if he pulls out. Last year, Chenyelu tested the draft waters but skipped the combine, hitting the G league elite camp instead before coming back to Florida for more. Growth. That move paid off big time in his latest season. He dominated as the naysmith defensive player of the year, SEC defensive player of the year, and first team all sexy. Ranked fourth nationally, with 11.2 rebounds per game, he set a Florida record with 19 double doubles and became the first gator in. 50 years to average double figures on the boards. Add at 10.9 points and a block per

1:02game too. ESPN slots him as the 43rd overall prospect and sixth best pure center. Coach Todd Goldin hopes he returns for a senior year with front court mates Thomas Howe and Alex Condon calling them tight-knit brothers, but the team's ready to pivot if he stays in. Chenyelu transferred from Washington state and helped Florida snag a national title run last year. With the draft set for June 23rd and 24th at Barkley Center in Brooklyn, all eyes on whether this rebounding machine bolts pro or sticks around Gainesville.