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Florida junior Rueben Chinyelu was among the top performers from the final day of scrimmages at the 2026 NBA draft combine on Thursday in Chicago, Illinois.
The 70-plus prospects hit the court for the first time on Monday for measurements, strength and agility testing, shooting drills and other exercises at the Winstrust Arena. The group then participated in 5-on-5 competition, which produced several high-level performances.
The players who agreed to participate in scrimmages were split into four teams, with several possible first-round picks taking the court. The competition has helped prospects improve their draft stock with strong performances over the years.
Rookie Wire examined some of the standouts from the second and last day of scrimmages, which included a couple of prospects who were recognized from Wednesday.
Chinyelu finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and one steal on Thursday, converting 7-of-13 in nearly 24 minutes of action. He registered the only double-double by any prospect this year, once again showcasing his patented high motor in the paint with his scoring and rebounding. The performance capped off a productive week after the 6-foot, 9 1/4-inch Nigerian tallied 13 points and five rebounds on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old has until May 27 to decide if he will remain in the draft or return to the Gators for one last season. He was noncommittal about his future this week, though his strong showing is likely to further complicate his looming decision. In any case, Chinyelu proved that he can be productive at the next level and should garner plenty of interest, either this year or next.
Nkrumah capped off a tremendous week in the Windy City by tallying 15 points, six rebounds and one assist on Thursday, shooting 3-of-6 from 3-point range in 22 minutes. He dazzled in the open court while converting difficult finishes at the rim and pulling up from beyond the arc.
The Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year helped himself as much as any prospect after turning a late invite to the G League combine into a promotion to the draft combine. He will now have the chance to further improve his draft stock in workouts and interviews.
Brazile put the finishing touches on a sensational week by dropping 16 points, nine rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes. He excelled in pick-and-roll situations and by running the floor, serving as a tremendous lob threat with his leaping ability. Brazile dazzled with his high motor and athleticism, proving he can impact games in various ways given the opportunity.
The 6-foot-10 forward performed exceptionally in the earlier measurement and strength and agility testing in Chicago, registering the fourth-fastest shuttle run (2.71 seconds), the fifth-highest max vertical jump (41 1/2 inches) and the ninth-longest wingspan (7 feet, 3 3/4 inches). He is most commonly projected to be a second-round pick, but he certainly helped his stock in Chicago.
Conwell exploded for a 21-point effort on Thursday, converting 5-of-8 from 3-point range in 23 minutes. While his shooting certainly stood out, the 21-year-old was also effective at getting to his spots on the court and running the offense for his team. Conwell is considered a second-round pick and has likely proved himself as a two-way contract option for teams, at minimum.
Reed recorded 17 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots on an efficient 7-for-9 showing in 21 minutes. He excelled on defense, showcasing his versatility by guarding multiple positions with his 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan and mobility. Reed also dazzled in the paint with his physicality and force at the rim. He had a strong week in Chicago and reaffirmed his ability to be a productive player at the next level.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2026 NBA draft combine: Top scrimmage performers from Day 2 in Chicago
Continue reading...
The 70-plus prospects hit the court for the first time on Monday for measurements, strength and agility testing, shooting drills and other exercises at the Winstrust Arena. The group then participated in 5-on-5 competition, which produced several high-level performances.
The players who agreed to participate in scrimmages were split into four teams, with several possible first-round picks taking the court. The competition has helped prospects improve their draft stock with strong performances over the years.
Rookie Wire examined some of the standouts from the second and last day of scrimmages, which included a couple of prospects who were recognized from Wednesday.
Rueben Chinyelu, Florida
Chinyelu finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and one steal on Thursday, converting 7-of-13 in nearly 24 minutes of action. He registered the only double-double by any prospect this year, once again showcasing his patented high motor in the paint with his scoring and rebounding. The performance capped off a productive week after the 6-foot, 9 1/4-inch Nigerian tallied 13 points and five rebounds on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old has until May 27 to decide if he will remain in the draft or return to the Gators for one last season. He was noncommittal about his future this week, though his strong showing is likely to further complicate his looming decision. In any case, Chinyelu proved that he can be productive at the next level and should garner plenty of interest, either this year or next.
Aaron Nkrumah, Tennessee State
Aaron Nkrumah through the contact!
At the rim
From deeppic.twitter.com/2lcKynRLRT
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) May 14, 2026
Nkrumah capped off a tremendous week in the Windy City by tallying 15 points, six rebounds and one assist on Thursday, shooting 3-of-6 from 3-point range in 22 minutes. He dazzled in the open court while converting difficult finishes at the rim and pulling up from beyond the arc.
The Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year helped himself as much as any prospect after turning a late invite to the G League combine into a promotion to the draft combine. He will now have the chance to further improve his draft stock in workouts and interviews.
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
Brazile put the finishing touches on a sensational week by dropping 16 points, nine rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes. He excelled in pick-and-roll situations and by running the floor, serving as a tremendous lob threat with his leaping ability. Brazile dazzled with his high motor and athleticism, proving he can impact games in various ways given the opportunity.
The 6-foot-10 forward performed exceptionally in the earlier measurement and strength and agility testing in Chicago, registering the fourth-fastest shuttle run (2.71 seconds), the fifth-highest max vertical jump (41 1/2 inches) and the ninth-longest wingspan (7 feet, 3 3/4 inches). He is most commonly projected to be a second-round pick, but he certainly helped his stock in Chicago.
Ryan Conwell, Louisville
Conwell exploded for a 21-point effort on Thursday, converting 5-of-8 from 3-point range in 23 minutes. While his shooting certainly stood out, the 21-year-old was also effective at getting to his spots on the court and running the offense for his team. Conwell is considered a second-round pick and has likely proved himself as a two-way contract option for teams, at minimum.
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
Reed recorded 17 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots on an efficient 7-for-9 showing in 21 minutes. He excelled on defense, showcasing his versatility by guarding multiple positions with his 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan and mobility. Reed also dazzled in the paint with his physicality and force at the rim. He had a strong week in Chicago and reaffirmed his ability to be a productive player at the next level.
Honorable Mention
- Matthew Able, NC State: 17 points, four rebounds
- Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee: 15 points, five rebounds, three assists
- Nick Martinelli, Northwestern: 13 points, five rebounds
- Dillon Mitchell, St. John's: 13 points, six rebounds, four assists
- Otega Oweh, Kentucky: 21 points, five rebounds
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2026 NBA draft combine: Top scrimmage performers from Day 2 in Chicago
Continue reading...
