Chinyelu works out with 2 NBA teams, discusses how he'll decide on draft
Before Florida center Rueben Chinyelu competes in the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp, he had pre-draft workouts with two NBA teams this week. The Sacramento Kings brought in him on Monday, and then he worked out Tuesday for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Chinyelu met with reporters following both sessions, and the Trail Blazers posting his video interview on their YouTube channel. He was asked in Portland what he’s looking to show teams during his pre-draft workouts.
“I’m just trying to show them that I’m a good defensive player, I can rebound the ball and also I can shoot the ball if I’m given the opportunity,” Chinyelu said. “I think you just keep working and getting better every day. But most importantly for me is doing what got me where I’m at right now, which is rebounding, playing defense, playing off the pick, being able to switch onto guards. Just being able to show them that I’m versatile and I can guard 1-5.”
After transferring from Washington State, Chinyelu started all 40 games for the Gators at center last season and finished second on the team in rebounds (6.6 per game) and blocks (34) along with 6.0 points per game. He recorded four double-doubles, including a career-high 19 points and 13 rebounds in Florida’s comeback victory at LSU, and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds in the win vs. No. 1 Tennessee.
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Chinyelu and UF senior guard Will Richard were two of 45 players invited to the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp, which takes place from Friday through Sunday at Wintrust Arena. The three-day event gives prospects a chance to compete in front of NBA and NBA G League scouts, coaches and front-office executives through five-on-five games and strength and agility drills.
A select number of players from the G League Elite Camp will earn invitations into the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Chinyelu and fellow UF sophomore big Alex Condon both declared early for the NBA Draft while maintaining their college eligibility. After his workout in Portland, Chinyelu was asked what will go into his decision on remaining in the draft or returning to Florida.
“After everything, just seeing how teams feel about me,” Chinyelu said. “If there’s a team that really wants me and wants to give me a contract, then I will definitely stay in the draft. But apart from that, if my feedback wasn’t up to what I’m expecting, probably I’ll just go back to school and go do what I have to do to get myself there. Because you work every day, every night grinding to just be playing in the big league.”
