2025 five-star prospect Francis Chukwudebelu talks recruiting, game
Texas continues to have talent run thru the city pretty much every single year. Recently, we’ve also seen the state develop some of the best bigs across the nation.
Prestonwood Christian Academy’s star?
Francis Chukwudebelu.
Talk about an absolute physical beast, Chukwudebelu stands at 6-foot-10, 225-pounds with a 7’5 wingspan. He is also continuing to prove his worth as a three-level scorer and continues to work on his shooting game. Lethal in the pick-and-pop as well.
It’s not easy to defend a guy of that stature, better yet a guy who is a long shooter can hit from multiple levels, and once again has the 7’5 wingspan which is hard to contest.
His stats didn’t jump off the paper this season [5.8 points and 6.5 rebounds] but, scouts, coaches, etc, all saw his elite potential, and many are viewing him as an enticing long-term prospect that can eventually find his way to the NBA.
“I think Francis is a special talent,” Derrick Shelby told Stockrisers.com. Shelby has watched his rise since arriving from Nigeria in 2018.
“When you combine his height of 6-foot-10 and a wingspan at 7’5, and you put that with someone who’s the ultimate competitor with a phenomenal work ethic, you have something that most people consider special,” Shelby said.
With that being said, Stockrisers.com talked with Chukwudebelu on his game and his recruitment.
Which schools are heavily involved early?
“Currently, I have a few scholarship offers but it’s early and I understand that. But so far Kansas, Auburn, Memphis, and Vanderbilt.”
Who are the newest schools?
“The newest schools were Kansas and Memphis. There were several colleges that watched my team play at the Kansas City EYBL. Michigan State, Florida State, Kentucky, and schools like that.”
Visits?
”I’m set to attend Late Night In The Phog in October at Kansas.”
Breakdown a school of choice
“All of this is new to me and I’m just learning about each school that has offered or shown interest in me. Honestly, I’m just trying to get better so that way they keep recruiting me.”
Breakdown your game.
“Rashad Phillips told me that I was a stretch Big and I’m like that [laughs]. I’m 6’10 and in the EYBL session in Kansas City, I shot like five of six from three-point range or something like that. I can shoot the ball out to the NBA line but I can also play down low and use my height and long arms to shoot over other bigs. My wingspan is like 7’5.”
Goals for the next high school season?
“For high school ball, I just want to help my team compete for a state championship and continue to improve.”
How has your game improved?
“My shot making ability has improved a lot. I’ve been working on that and also my ball handling. I will be working with Coach Barrington Stephens and Coach Tyler Relph to keep improving. I am also working in the weight room with Coach Josh Green to get stronger.”