Rueben Chinyelu Named NABC Defensive Player of the Year

Gator basketball’s Rueben Chinyelu earned yet another Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday, this time from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

Chinyelu was a dominant defensive force for the Gators this season. He was the team’s top rebounder, averaging 11.2 per game and putting up three 20-rebound games this season. Chinyelu currently ranks first in the NCAA in rebounds and 5th in double doubles, setting a Florida single-season program record with 19. He even led Florida to the top national ranking in both rebounds per game (45.14)  and rebound margin (+14.6). 

Chinyelu drove an elite defense for Florida, putting them sixth in Kenpom’s ranking for team defensive efficiency. 

Along with the NABC recognition, Chinyelu is one of the four finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. He also earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year with a GPA of 3.48. He became the second player in SEC history to hold both titles.

The Enugwu-Agidi, Nigeria native has brought valuable international experience to the team. In 2022, he led the NBA Academy Africa team to first-place. Transferring from Washington State after his freshman season, Chinyelu made a name for himself at Florida right away. In last year’s championship run, he started in all 40 games and averaged 6.6 rebounds.

While he is eligible for another season with the Gators, Chinyelu has not yet announced if he will be returning or entering the NBA Draft. 
After a lackluster performance against Iowa in Florida’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament, Gator fans will hold their breath to see if the big man chooses to develop his talents in Gainesville for one more season before heading to the pros.

Category: Basketball, College Basketball, Feature Sports News, Gators Men's Basketball