You Won't Believe What Alex Condon Said About Rueben Chinyelu's Shocking NBA Move!

After a triumphant national championship win last year, expectations were high for the Florida Gators and their star forward, Alex Condon. However, the 2025-26 college basketball season didn't unfold as hoped. Despite finishing the regular season with a strong 26-7 record and a dominant 16-2 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, the Gators faced an unexpected upset in the NCAA Tournament. They were eliminated in the second round by the No. 9 seed Iowa Hawkeyes, bringing an abrupt end to their March Madness hopes.

Throughout this challenging season, Condon stood out as one of the top players in the country. The junior forward from Perth, Washington played in 34 games, averaging career-highs of 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 30.5 minutes per game. With these impressive statistics, Condon already announced his intention to return to Gainesville for his senior year, promising to build on his accomplishments.

In contrast, teammate Rueben Chinyelu, a 6-foot-10 center, is weighing a different path. Chinyelu, who began his college career with the Washington State Cougars after a notable stint at NBA Academy Africa in South Africa, transferred to Florida ahead of the 2024-25 season. He played a significant role in the Gators' championship-winning team, starting at center in all 40 games. This past season, he continued as the starting center, averaging 10.9 points on an impressive 58.4% shooting, alongside 11.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game.

On Monday, Chinyelu took to social media to announce his declaration for the 2026 NBA Draft while preserving his college eligibility, leaving the door open for a possible return to Florida. In his Instagram post, he expressed gratitude and excitement about the opportunity ahead:

"With that being said, I am declaring for the NBA Draft, while maintaining my college eligibility to return to the University of Florida, if I decide to withdraw. Forever grateful always!!"

Condon reacted lightheartedly to Chinyelu's announcement, sharing a humorous meme in the comments, showcasing the camaraderie that defines the Gators' locker room.

As Florida fans look ahead, many are eager to see whether Thomas Haugh, the Gators' top scorer, will also return for another season. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the potential of next year's team, especially with Condon's return and the uncertainty of Chinyelu's draft decision.

The Gators' journey this season reflects the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where even the most promising teams can face early exits. With key players making critical decisions about their futures, Florida's roster will be a topic of interest as fans and analysts alike speculate on the team's direction heading into the next season.