Gophers Men’s Basketball Team Secures Commitment from Promising Big Man Recruit
The University of Minnesota’s men’s basketball team has made a significant addition to its 2026 recruiting class, landing a verbal commitment from Chadrack Mpoyi, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound center from Congo by way of California. Mpoyi, who has been playing for Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, Calif., and with All In Elite in the Under Armour Association, made the announcement after a campus visit to Minneapolis in late August.
A Valuable Addition to the Team
Considered a bruising yet raw player, Mpoyi is the 151st-ranked recruit in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports composite list. He had offers and visits to Oregon State, Utah State, and California-Santa Barbara over the last month, and has also reported offers from California, Utah, Stanford, BYU, Loyola Marymount, East Carolina, and others. Mpoyi’s commitment is a significant boost to the Gophers’ recruiting class, which already includes two in-state commitments, Nolen Anderson (Wayzata) and Cedric Tomes (East Ridge).
According to Crean head coach Austin Loeb, Mpoyi has tremendous potential, saying, “Chadrack has only scratched the surface of what he can become. His size, athleticism, and 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.” Mpoyi’s coaches and teammates praise his work ethic and dedication to the sport, which will undoubtedly serve him well as he transitions to the collegiate level.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Mpoyi on board, the Gophers’ men’s basketball team is shaping up to have a strong 2026 recruiting class. Anderson, a four-star prospect, and Tomes, a three-star recruit, will join Mpoyi, also a three-star recruit, to form a talented and diverse group of newcomers. As the team looks to build on its recent successes, the addition of Mpoyi and the other recruits will be crucial in helping the Gophers compete at the highest level.
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