Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu has been named Naismith Player of the Week, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on Monday.
Chinyelu posted double-doubles in a pair of wins vs. South Carolina and Alabama last week.
In just 22 minutes on the road against South Carolina, Chinyelu delivered a dominant performance, posting 14 points and 11 rebounds in a 95–48 rout of the Gamecocks. The 6’10, 265-pound center was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and added two blocks.
Against Alabama, Chinyelu posted 14 points and a game-high 17 rebounds in Florida’s 100–77 win. The Enugu-Agidi, Nigeria native also contributed three assists, two blocks, and a steal.
“I think he’s arguably the best defender in America right now,” Golden said postgame. “He’s a great paint protector, great on the ball screen.”
Chinyelu’s improvement at the line was on display against Alabama, where he shot 6-for-7 from the stripe. The junior is converting a career-high 68.2 percent from the free-throw line this season.
Chinyelu’s 13 double-doubles this season lead the SEC and are tied for sixth in Florida history. Chinyelu ranks fourth nationally in rebounding (11.4) and sixth in offensive rebounding (4.2)
On Thursday, Chinyelu was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, earning recognition as one of just 25 honorees. Chinyelu also earned SEC Player of the Week on January 19th.
The No.17 Florida Gators have a midweek bye on their schedule before visiting Texas A&M Saturday at 8:30 p.m. EST.