"Within a week of arriving in June 2024 on a student visa, Mpoyi was donning the Saints' jersey and playing in a tournament in Corona in preparation for the NCAA evaluation period when college coaches can watch recruits play in person. By that August, he claimed an offer from Washington. The following summer, he had about two dozen offers."
"He left his father, mother and siblings to pursue a basketball opportunity on another continent. He tried seeking international student transfer eligibility with the highly regarded Crean Lutheran program, but the CIF Southern Section ruled he couldn't play on the varsity team in the 2024-25 season. He'd be sitting out."
"The Crean Lutheran community responded by wrapping its arms around the teenager with the 7-foot-5 wingspan. A second family - a prominent Orange County one - stepped forward to open [their home to support him]."
Chadrack Mpoyi arrived in Orange County from Congo in June 2024 on a student visa to attend Crean Lutheran High School. Despite initial CIF eligibility restrictions preventing varsity play in 2024-25, he quickly gained national attention as a basketball prospect. Within weeks of arrival, he received his first college offer from Washington, eventually accumulating approximately two dozen offers. Mpoyi led Crean Lutheran to a Southern Section Division 1A championship, scoring 14 points in a 59-52 victory over JSerra. His rapid rise occurred amid significant personal challenges, including his mother's passing. The Crean Lutheran community and a local Orange County family provided crucial support during his transition and grief.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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