Last season, Rueben Chinyelu became the first Gator in 50 years to average a double-double.
Friday, October 30, 2026 | Men's Basketball
Florida senior Rueben Chinyelu has been named to the Naismith Starting 5 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Top 20 Preseason Watch List, announced on Friday by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
The reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Chinyelu set Florida records with 19 double-doubles and 137 offensive rebounds last season, as he became the first Gator in 50 years to average a double-double. In Chinyelu's two seasons at Florida, he has helped lead the Gators to a 63-12 record, starting all 75 games.
With Chinyelu's selection, all five of Florida's starters have been named to Naismith Starting 5 watch lists entering the season.
The No. 1 Gators open the regular season on Monday against 14th-ranked Miami in Tampa.
Gators on Naismith Starting 5 Watch Lists
Boogie Fland, Cousy Award
Denzel Aberdeen, West Award
Thomas Haugh, Erving Award
Alex Condon, Malone Award
Rueben Chinyelu, Abdul-Jabbar Award
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets are on sale now.
SEC Saturday Packs
The SEC Saturday Pack includes all five Saturday home SEC dates, with games vs. Vanderbilt, Texas, Missouri, Georgia and Kentucky.
Group Tickets
Orders of 15+ tickets qualify for unique group benefits and experiences. Visit our Men's Basketball Group Benefits page or call the Florida Gators Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683 for more information.
The reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Chinyelu set Florida records with 19 double-doubles and 137 offensive rebounds last season, as he became the first Gator in 50 years to average a double-double. In Chinyelu's two seasons at Florida, he has helped lead the Gators to a 63-12 record, starting all 75 games.
With Chinyelu's selection, all five of Florida's starters have been named to Naismith Starting 5 watch lists entering the season.
The No. 1 Gators open the regular season on Monday against 14th-ranked Miami in Tampa.
Gators on Naismith Starting 5 Watch Lists
Boogie Fland, Cousy Award
Denzel Aberdeen, West Award
Thomas Haugh, Erving Award
Alex Condon, Malone Award
Rueben Chinyelu, Abdul-Jabbar Award
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award
| NAME | SCHOOL |
| Motiejus Krivas | Arizona |
| Oswin Erhunmwunse | Creighton |
| Patrick Ngongba II | Duke |
| Rueben Chinyelu | Florida |
| Marcis Ponder | FSU |
| Massamba Diop | Gonzaga |
| Tomislav Ivišić | Illinois |
| Andrew McKeever | Iowa |
| Malachi Moreno | Kentucky |
| Flory Bidunga | Louisville |
| Sananda Fru | Marquette |
| Pharrel Payne | Maryland |
| Somo Cyril | Miami |
| Moustapha Thiam | Michigan |
| Daniel Jacobsen | Purdue |
| Jaden Toombs | SMU |
| Matas Vokietaitis | Texas |
| Luigi Suigo | Villanova |
| Johann Grünloh | Virginia |
| Nolan Winter | Wisoncsin |
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets are on sale now.
SEC Saturday Packs
The SEC Saturday Pack includes all five Saturday home SEC dates, with games vs. Vanderbilt, Texas, Missouri, Georgia and Kentucky.
Group Tickets
Orders of 15+ tickets qualify for unique group benefits and experiences. Visit our Men's Basketball Group Benefits page or call the Florida Gators Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683 for more information.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball
C
/ Men's Basketball
F/C
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's BasketballThursday, October 29
Wednesday, October 28
Wednesday, October 28
Tuesday, October 27
