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Forbes
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
From The NBA Africa Academy To The NCAA Championship: Ruben Chinyelu And The Gators' Unlikely Blueprint
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Rueben Chinyelu #9 of the Florida Gators cuts the net after defeating ... More the Houston Cougars in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by) When the final buzzer sounded and confetti fell in San Antonio, it marked Florida's return to the pinnacle of college basketball. This wasn't just another championship; it was a blueprint for success in an evolving game. In the NIL era, where teams often build rosters for short-term impact and brand recognition, the Gators took a refreshingly different approach. They built a cohesive team based on trust, role clarity, and unity. In the middle of this success was Rueben Chinyelu—a sophomore from Nigeria who arrived without much fanfare but evolved into one of the Gators' most reliable players. A product of the NBA Academy Africa, Chinyelu's presence in the starting lineup of a national title game represented not only his personal triumph but also symbolized Florida's unconventional yet effective path to glory. KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 27: Rueben Abuchi Chinyelu #23 of the NBA Academy Africa drives to the basket ... More during the game against the Rwanda U23 National Team on May 27, 2022 at the Kigali Arena. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Pape Emir/NBAE via Getty Images) Born in Enugu Agidi, Nigeria, Rueben's basketball journey began thousands of miles from Gainesville. His potential caught the attention of scouts and coaches at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal—a program designed to identify and nurture elite basketball talent from across the continent. There, he honed his footwork, timing, and instincts. The result was a high-energy, rim-protecting big man with a strong desire to learn. In 2022, Chinyelu's talents were showcased at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, where he helped his team secure a first-place finish. This exposure opened the door to U.S. college basketball, and he began his NCAA career at Washington State. As a freshman in the 2023-24 season, he made 35 appearances and posted impressive statistics—4.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 61.7% from the field. He recorded multiple double-figure scoring and rebounding games, including a notable double-double in an upset victory over #4 Arizona. However, after that season, Chinyelu sought a better fit for his game, which led him to Florida. In just his second season of college basketball, Chinyelu transitioned from a promising freshman to a starter in the national title game. This transformation didn't happen overnight; it was built on consistent improvement, film study, conditioning, and trust. By his sophomore year, he had become Florida's defensive backbone. He didn't require the ball to impact the game. His rim protection, rebounding, and disciplined positioning in pick-and-roll defense made him indispensable. In the game against Houston, a team known for its toughness and offensive rebounding, Chinyelu's ability to absorb contact, box out relentlessly, and contest shots without fouling proved essential. He wasn't chasing individual statistics; he was making winning plays by rotating early, setting hard screens, and anchoring Florida's paint defense. In a game decided by narrow margins, those actions made the difference between silver and gold. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Rueben Chinyelu #9, Micah Handlogten #3 and Walter Clayton Jr. ... More #1 of the Florida Gators celebrate from the bench against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half in the West Regional Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by) In today's competitive landscape, many programs chase high-profile transfers or top-50 recruits with major NIL deals. Florida, however, took a different route. They built their roster around fit, not flash, targeting players who were hungry, overlooked, and willing to develop within a system. This approach led to a championship team composed of players who complement one another, rather than just flashy names. Chinyelu embodies this philosophy. He wasn't a household name coming out of high school and did not arrive with a high valuation. However, his contributions; effort, humility, and toughness—were invaluable. He solidified Florida's interior defense, embraced his role, and became a key asset. In an era where ego can disrupt team chemistry, Rueben leaned into the unsung tasks. Ultimately, this approach paid off. Chinyelu's rise is representative of a larger trend in the global game and illustrates how African talent can thrive when nurtured and given opportunities at the highest levels. The NBA Academy Africa continues to produce players who not only fill U.S. rosters but also elevate them. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's ... More Basketball National Championship game at Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) For young athletes in Nigeria and across the continent, Rueben's journey serves as an inspiring roadmap. It demonstrates that one doesn't have to follow the traditional American path to achieve success. Instead, the right training, mindset, and system can lead to the ability to compete, and win—against anyone. As Rueben looks toward his next chapter, he carries with him the pride of a continent and exemplifies how belief and structure coincide with success. Florida's championship wasn't merely about talent—it was about teamwork. No player personified that better than Rueben Chinyelu. From his early days at the NBA Academy to the bright lights of March Madness, his journey has been characterized by humility, resilience, and purpose. He may not have been the loudest voice in the locker room or the star of every marketing campaign, but when the Gators needed someone to anchor their efforts, Rueben stepped up. Not with flashy highlights, but through contributions that win championships. In a game often decided by fine margins, Rueben Chinyelu didn't just play his role—he helped elevate his team to greatness.
New York Times
07-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Duke's Khaman Maluach likely unable to leave, reenter U.S. after South Sudanese visas revoked
By Alex Andrejev, Lindsay Schnell and Rebecca Tauber The decision by the Trump administration to revoke visas for South Sudanese passport holders could affect the ability of Duke men's basketball player Khaman Maluach to reenter the United States if he were to leave. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision before the Duke Final Four game on Saturday, saying it had been made because South Sudan refused to accept citizens deported from the U.S. 'in a timely manner.' Advertisement South Sudan has been beset by violence, hunger and civil war due to political conflict in the past decade, with hundreds of thousands of people killed and millions more displaced. Maluach, 18, fled South Sudan at a young age with his family and settled in Uganda. After scouts recommended him for the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, Duke recruited him for the 2025 season. A 7-foot-2 freshman, Maluach averaged 8.6 points in 39 games this season, which ended for the Blue Devils with a loss to Houston in the Final Four on Saturday. He is considered a likely high pick if he declares for the NBA Draft, which will be held on June 25-26. The deadline for a player to declare for the draft is April 26. 'Duke University is aware of the announcement from the Department of State regarding visa holders from South Sudan,' Duke said in a statement. 'We are looking into the situation and working expeditiously to understand the implications for Duke students.' The decision is not likely to impact players currently in the NBA, WNBA or G League, as those from South Sudan like the Wizards' JT Thor and Trail Blazers' Duop Reath hold dual citizenship. Currently, Rubio's decision affects South Sudanese people outside the U.S. seeking visas that would allow them to enter the country. Maluach's current student status would remain valid unless the Trump administration were to issue a deportation order, which it has not done, according to Tucker Murphy, who has worked as a U.S. diplomat and with the NBA in international governmental affairs. 'If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,' said Murphy, now the CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment. 'They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.' Advertisement Murphy said that if Maluach were to leave Duke and get drafted by an NBA team, he could get different documents that would allow him to compete in the U.S. as an athlete, but he would still be unable to leave and reenter the country unless the Trump administration were to issue some sort of waiver. 'His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,' Murphy said. Any family members of Maluach's not in the country would be unable to come to the U.S. Maluach told The Athletic during the Final Four weekend that he has not been back home in a couple of years and that his parents have not been able to visit him. His older sister has been in the U.S. throughout the NCAA Tournament. A State Department spokesperson said that the decision to revoke the visas would impact anyone with a U.S. visa in a South Sudanese passport and anyone with a South Sudanese passport applying for a U.S. visa. They did not comment specifically on Maluach's case, saying via email that the department would provide further information and instructions to affected visa holders and applicants as available. The action comes amid the administration's efforts to increase immigration enforcement and restrict entry to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained and is attempting to deport some international students who participated in campus protests, moves which have already been challenged in court. The Trump administration is also considering implementing travel bans on potentially more than 40 countries, which could affect travel for international athletes to the U.S., though the administration has not yet released an official policy. Rubio said the administration would be prepared to review the latest actions 'when South Sudan is in full cooperation.'
