Chinyelu Weighs NBA Draft, Gators' Frontcourt Future

0:00On April 20th, Florida Gator's Center Ruben Kenye-Lew is testing the NBA draft waters again for the second straight year while keeping his college, eligibility to return if he pulls out. The Naysmith defensive player of the year made the announcement Monday with one year left to play for the Gators. The deadline to officially enter the draft hits this Friday. Cheney Lou just wrapped a monster career season, smashing program records with 19 double doubles and 137 offensive rebounds. He averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. The first Gator to post a double double average in 50 years. That earned him SEC defensive player of the year too, plus NABC national honors. He shouted out his coaches, teammates, and gator nation in his statement, crediting them for his growth amid the highs and lows. The season ended rough, though, with a quiet 0.1 rebound game in the round of 32 loss to Iowa, leaving him wanting more time on the court with his squad.

1:01Meanwhile, Florida's building next year's roster strong, bringing back guards like Boogie Flan, Urban Clavesar, and others, plus Star Big Alex Condon. They grabbed transfer, Denzel Aberdeen, who's pushing for extra eligibility and signed seven foot high school center Jones Lay. But they're losing some depth to the portal and waiting on decisions from guys like Thomas Howe. With the draft entry deadline Friday and the college return cutoff, May 27th at 11.59 PM, Eastern, keep an eye on how this shakes out for the Gator's front court future.