At Center of Championships

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – He had just finished a heartfelt chat about what he called the greatest time of his life.

Joakim Noah made close to $150 million during his 13-year NBA career, but Saturday after Florida's basketball practice he wanted a group of young men he was addressing – the 2026-27 UF basketball team – to understand they were in the middle of best days of their lives. Yes, they're getting paid now, which was wonderful, Noah allowed, but it was the relationships and memories that would be most everlasting.

When done, Noah broke off from the horde and sought out UF senior center Rueben Chinyelu. The two shared a private few…