Gators make the final cut for NBA Academy Africa center Rueben Chinyelu
According to On3’s Joe Tipton, high-upside big man Rueben Chinyelu is nearing the recruiting finish line and will consider five schools once it’s time to make a decision.
Representing NBA Academy Africa, the 6-foot-10, 245-pound Chinyelu is down to Florida, Rutgers, Tennessee, Washington State and Santa Clara. Each finalist has already received an official visit as well, with the Gators having played host on Sept. 17.
The 2023 prospect is considered a rebound machine who averaged nearly 20 boards at the FIBA Africa U-16 tournament. As just a high schooler, Chinyelu reportedly boasts an eye-popping 7’8″ wingspan and was also called up to the talent-loaded Nigerian Senior Men’s Basketball Team. That is significant due to the amount of NBA talent on the roster.
“Rueben Chinyelu’s senior national team debut should not be a surprise. In this short clip, he already showcases how much of a difference maker he will be. His size, energy, speed, length and jumping ability make him a foundational player. Excited for him and his family,” Educational Basketball wrote on Twitter.
Todd Golden has a strong reputation for courting international players, with Chinyelu being one of the latest to soak up his full attention. This is a big-time talent who could make an immediate impact for the Gators, especially with Colin Castleton set to depart the program following the upcoming season.
Chinyelu, who is 18-years-old and viewed by some as a future lottery pick, draws comparisons to Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe. He is currently tabbed as a three-star prospect and grew up in eastern part of Nigeria in the Enugu-Agidi village.
According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Rutgers is trending with odds of 25.8 percent. The Gators, however, check in with the second-best odds at 22.6 percent.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
