Rueben Chinyelu helped the Gators to a 72-26 paint scoring advantage Sunday vs. Alabama.
Rueben Chinyelu Named Naismith Player of the Week
Monday, February 2, 2026 | Men's Basketball
Florida men's basketball junior center Rueben Chinyelu has been named Naismith Player of the Week, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on Monday.
Chinyelu posted a pair of double-doubles with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the Gators' 95-48 win at South Carolina, then 14 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's 100-77 win vs. No. 23 Alabama. Chinyelu's 13 double-doubles this season lead the SEC and are tied for sixth in Florida history.
The Enugwu-Agidi, Nigeria, native ranks fourth nationally in rebounding (11.4) and sixth in offensive rebounding (4.2). Chinyelu has started at center in all 62 games as a Gator over the past two seasons, helping UF to a 52-10 record as a starter, and has showed his defensive prowess in the paint and on the perimeter.
Chinyelu also earned a spot on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List last week.
The Gators have a midweek bye on their schedule before visiting Texas A&M Saturday at 8:30 p.m. EST.
2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Tickets
Single-game tickets remain available for games vs. South Carolina (Feb. 17) and Mississippi State (March 3). Tickets can be purchased at FloridaGators.com, by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida's games vs. Kentucky (Feb. 14) and Arkansas (Feb. 28) are sold out. Ticketmaster.com is the only verified resale partner of the Florida Gators. Fans are urged to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized secondary ticketing sites or individuals they do not know. Click here for tips on how to verify tickets are from a legitimate source.
Chinyelu posted a pair of double-doubles with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the Gators' 95-48 win at South Carolina, then 14 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's 100-77 win vs. No. 23 Alabama. Chinyelu's 13 double-doubles this season lead the SEC and are tied for sixth in Florida history.
The Enugwu-Agidi, Nigeria, native ranks fourth nationally in rebounding (11.4) and sixth in offensive rebounding (4.2). Chinyelu has started at center in all 62 games as a Gator over the past two seasons, helping UF to a 52-10 record as a starter, and has showed his defensive prowess in the paint and on the perimeter.
Chinyelu also earned a spot on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List last week.
The Gators have a midweek bye on their schedule before visiting Texas A&M Saturday at 8:30 p.m. EST.
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2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Tickets
Single-game tickets remain available for games vs. South Carolina (Feb. 17) and Mississippi State (March 3). Tickets can be purchased at FloridaGators.com, by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida's games vs. Kentucky (Feb. 14) and Arkansas (Feb. 28) are sold out. Ticketmaster.com is the only verified resale partner of the Florida Gators. Fans are urged to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized secondary ticketing sites or individuals they do not know. Click here for tips on how to verify tickets are from a legitimate source.
Players Mentioned
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