WSU’s Next International Big Man - Rueben Chinyelu

by Hayden Wysup

Rueben Chinyelu is a freshman center this upcoming year for the Cougars, a four star prospect by 247 Sports, who hails from eastern Nigeria.  He committed to WSU in February 2022, and is now entering his freshman year.  

Rueben only started playing basketball in 2018; however, despite that, has a very solid resume.  His FIBA U16 team placed third in the African championship where he averaged 12.3 points on 56.7% shooting from the field and 17.6 rebounds per game.  Rueben played in the NBA Academy including the Academy Games where he led his team to first place, and played for the Nigerian national team. 

With only five years of experience in the sport, Rueben has racked up a lot of international experience.  He added, "It has helped my development in terms of, being on the court, being off the court, just trying to see how things are done at that level.  It was a blessing.  I was fortunate enough to be in that spot to see things done at a professional level."  He also added, "NBA Academy worked on the foundation for me to be a better player, a better person, not just as a basketball player but as a person."

While on his visit, Rueben met with former Cougars TJ Bamba and Mouhamed Gueye.  He talked to both former Cougars and said, "I met Bam and Mo when I came for a visit, and it was really good getting to know them, and hearing from them."  This interaction was only the start of Rueben getting acclimated to Pullman's community.  Rueben spoke very highly of the relationships he's already built here.  "It's very important to have good people around you.  If you're going to be successful, you need good people around you, they hold you up to that responsibility and WSU has that."

With Rueben being an international prospect, it continues the trend of the Cougars landing another high-level international talent.  One of those players was fellow Nigerian Efe Abogidi, who also attended NBA Academy Africa.  While attending NBA Academy games, Rueben met Efe and said, "I spoke to Efe in Las Vegas when I saw him.  We went and had NBA Academy games there.  I talked to him and it was really nice hearing from him."

Rueben also holds his education to a high regard.  Rueben came to WSU not only for basketball but also to get a university education.  "After hopefully playing in the NBA, having a career in basketball, after that I hope to have something to do.  Even if I make it to the NBA today or tomorrow, obviously finish up my classes, trying to make sure I get my degree, because after playing at the professional level, I want to go out and have another career."

Rueben looks to make a strong impact for the Cougs this winter and as fans are looking forward to the season starting, so is Rueben.  "I just can't wait for the season to start, just being able to be out there.  Do what I love, and hopefully get my mama to be able to watch me, my family getting to watch me, cheer for me.  The thing I'm looking forward to most is to be able to start the season, and play in the Coug uniform."