Nigeria’s basketball youngster Rueben Chinyelu was key as the Florida Gators beat the Houston Cougars to win the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
The Florida Gators, powered by the dynamic presence of Nigerian center Rueben Chinyelu, clinched the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
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At the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Chinyelu powered the Gators to a nail-biting 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars in a thrilling conclusion to the national championship.
Chinyelu instrumental to Gators win
Chinyelu, a 6’11” sophomore center who transferred to Florida after a standout freshman season at Washington State, played a pivotal role in the Gators’ championship journey.
His journey to this moment was anything but ordinary—born in Nigeria.
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Chinyelu honed his skills at the NBA Academy Africa before representing his country on the national stage.
After being called for a foul, Rueben Chinyelu is assessed a technical. pic.twitter.com/rAQqtAJv57— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 8, 2025
The championship game against Houston was a test of resilience for Chinyelu and the Gators as they trailed by 12 points early in the second half.
This win marked the Gators’ third national title in program history and their first since 2007, capping off a remarkable March Madness run filled with upsets, comebacks.
The Gators’ comeback was fueled by a collective effort, with guard Will Richard leading the team with 18 points and Walter Clayton Jr. igniting the offense in the second half.
Off the court, Chinyelu’s vibrant personality shone through, celebrating in the locker room, sporting a colorful headscarf .
