Crean Lutheran star basketball player Chadrack Mpoyi commits to Minnesota

Crean Lutheran’s Chadrack Mpoyi dunks the ball. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran High School).

Crean Lutheran High School star senior center Chadrack Mpoyi has committed to the University of Minnesota to play basketball, Saints Coach Austin Loeb said Thursday.

Loeb, the first year head coach, said that the 6-11 Mpoyi was a consensus Top 150 national prospect, Mpoyi drew 21 offers from across the country, before deciding to play for the Big Ten school. He is currently preparing for his senior season with the Saints.

“More than just a talented player, Chadrack has been a joy to coach because of his humility, faith and constant hunger to improve,” Loeb told OC Sports Zone in a statement. “His daily approach to the game reflects his trust in God’s plan and his commitment to becoming the best version of himself both on and off the court.

“Chadrack has only scratched the surface of what he can become. His size, athleticism,nd natural gifts make him a special player, but what excites me most is his willingness to work, learn and grow. Even more importantly, his faith in Christ shapes who he is and how he carries himself.

“Minnesota is not just getting a high-level basketball player, they’re getting a young man whose character, humility, and heart for the Lord will impact everyone around him. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see how he continues to develop.”

Mpoyi’s commitment is both a celebration of his personal journey and a reflection of the program’s mission to develop players who lead with character, faith, and excellence, school officials added.

A number of sources also posted the announcement of the commitment on X Thursday.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com