The Improbable Journey of New Florida Big Man Rueben Chinyelu

Ibidun Allison appeared at a bustling market in Lagos, Nigeria, and was immediately surrounded by enthusiastic vendors. “Mommy, mommy, come buy from me!” they shouted. “Buy from me!”

An actress in her seventies, Allison looked out at the crowd and noticed one figure standing out.

His name was Rueben Chinyelu.

He was 14 years old and stood at around 6-8.

Allison was surprised. What was this boy doing here? Why was he selling clothes? She made her way through the crowd to find him.

“Do you play basketball?” she asked Chinyelu.

He chuckled, as he always did when asked that question.

“I’m serious,” Allison insisted. “You could go to school playing basketball. You could further your education.”

This caught Chinyelu’s attention. The idea of playing basketball as a way to get a better education had never been presented to him before. And for some reason, it resonated with him coming from Allison. Chinyelu had never played basketball before in his life. But suddenly, he felt compelled to pursue it. “I just think everything happens on God’s timing,” he says.

That was the summer of 2018. Six years later, Chinyelu is a 6-11 rising sophomore at the University of Florida. He transferred from Washington State University, where he played in all 35 games last season and finished fourth in the Pac-12 in blocks.

Originally from the eastern region of Nigeria, Chinyelu was only six when he lost his father. Raised by his mother and three older sisters, he was taught the importance of discipline and education. Chinyelu didn’t engage in any sports as a child, focusing solely on his studies and dreaming of becoming a doctor one day.

Everything changed in 2018 when Allison, now referred to by Chinyelu as his grandma, walked into his brother-in-law’s shop. Less than a week later, Chinyelu registered to join Raptors Basketball Academy at the National Stadium. Despite his lack of experience and slender build, he impressed his coach, Charles Ibeziakor.

“I saw something different in him compared to other boys learning basketball,” Ibeziakor says. “I saw potential in him, a prospect, because of his hard work. He didn’t give up.”

Chinyelu’s dedication extended from academics to basketball. He committed himself fully, practicing with the team and putting in extra work on his own. His dream transformed into aiming for the NBA.

Within a year, Chinyelu represented Nigeria in the 2019 FIBA U16 African Championship, excelling with his performance. This success garnered interest from high schools in the U.S., but his visa applications were rejected eight times without explanation. Undeterred, Chinyelu sought a new path, ultimately finding himself at NBA Academy Africa in 2021.

Under the guidance of staff members like Roland Houston and Alfred Aboya, Chinyelu improved significantly at the Academy. He not only honed his basketball skills but also learned valuable life lessons. The Academy’s structured environment and focus on player development helped Chinyelu grow both on and off the court.

Chinyelu, known for his intense work ethic, founded the “6:00 a.m. Club” for early morning workouts with his teammates. His dedication and energy on the court earned him respect and admiration from those around him.

Chinyelu’s journey led him to compete in international showcases and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season, where he continues to impress with his potential. Despite starting late in the sport, his passion and determination make him a force on the court.

Off the court, Chinyelu’s demeanor is calm and articulate, with a focus on his future goals. He aims to balance his basketball career with his studies to become a dentist.

As he embarks on his new chapter at the University of Florida, Chinyelu’s former coach, Ibeziakor, remains confident in his ability to reach the NBA. “Rueben is a hard worker who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal,” says Ibeziakor. “I believe he will make it to the NBA one day.”

Photos via Getty Images.