Rueben Chinyelu Shatters 50-Year Florida Basketball Record in NCAA Tournament Triumph Rueben Chinyelu’s performance in Florida’s NCAA Tournament victory over Prairie View A&M marked a historic milestone for the Gators. The center became the first player in program history to record 19 double-doubles in a single season, surpassing a record that had stood for five decades. The achievement came during a dominant first-round win, as Florida extended its NCAA Tournament run with a 30-point lead over the Prairie View A&M squad. Chinyelu’s 14 points and 13 rebounds in the game solidified his status as a key contributor to Florida’s success. Despite the record-breaking moment, his focus remained on the team’s collective goal. After reaching the milestone, teammate Micah Handlogten approached him to offer congratulations. “Hey, man, congrats, that’s sick,” Handlogten told The Gainesville Sun. Chinyelu, however, quickly redirected the attention back to the game. “We still have work to do,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to Florida’s tournament aspirations. The game also highlighted Chinyelu’s selflessness. With seven minutes remaining, he stepped aside to energize the crowd, prioritizing his teammate Olivier Rioux’s entry into the game. “He’s going to cheer you up,” Rioux said, recalling how Chinyelu’s enthusiasm helped him secure a dunk in the final minute. Rioux described Chinyelu as a unique player who consistently lifts his teammates, balancing strictness on the court with genuine care for his squad. “He does a lot of work towards the double-doubles. His grind in doing that is amazing,” Rioux added. Chinyelu’s work ethic has been a cornerstone of his success. Alex Condon, a teammate, noted his relentless approach: “I looked up, and he had 11 points and nine rebounds at halftime. It’s pretty crazy.#florida #alex_condon #rueben_chinyelu #micah_handlogten #olivier_rioux
