Rueben Chinyelu, a center from the NBA Academy Africa, has committed to Washington State according to a report.
Chinyelu was recruited by many wonderful schools. The style of play and experience of the coaching staff made Washington State stand out. Playing college basketball with and against other dedicated players who want to win are hungry and have a big vision for their future and aspire to be the best is something that I am looking forward to.
One of the top international prospects to commit to the college route in the Class of 2023 is a Nigerian with a 7-foot-8 wingspan and a 245-pound frame. Chinyelu picked Washington State over a bunch of offers from the likes of Tennessee, Florida, Kansas, Georgia, Rutgers, Mississippi State, Memphis, Maryland, Santa Clara and others after drawing a lot of interest at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta in July.
Chinyelu has both physical tools and intensity that make him stand out. He is able to step out to the perimeter and switch onto smaller players while using his length and quickness to deter rim protectors.
Chinyelu said that he chose the college basketball pathway because of the chance to get an education and also compete.
He wants families in Africa to know that their children can play sports. I'm trying to be the best version of myself on and off the court, as well as creating opportunities for myself for the future.
Chinyelu is from a village located in the southeast region of Nigeria. He became one of the most coveted big men in the 2023 recruiting class after joining the NBA Academy system.
Chinyelu was one of 12 Academy players who joined the NBA's Basketball Africa League in March as part of the BAL Elevate program. Academy products are provided with experience against men. Chinyelu made his debut with the Nigerian senior national team in August.
Chinyelu is the 17th NBA Academy Africa player to commit to a men's program.
The Global Academy is the hub for elite prospects in Australia and is one of the NBA's four academies. There are three academies in China that are no longer open.
NBA Academy alumni Josh Giddey, Bennedict Mathurin, and Dyson Daniels were all drafted in the NBA draft.
Several NBA Academy Africa graduates are trying to become the first player drafted, including Chinyelu.
Chinyelu said that the NBA Academy prepared him for more than just being a basketball player. The coaches here spend a lot of time explaining the game to the players. Due to a lack of infrastructure and visualization, we didn't always get the chance to showcase ourselves in the past. It's a great place to grow up.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytic service used by NBA, NCAA and International teams.
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