Although forward Chris Udofia will join his fellow seniors at graduation in June, his impact on the men’s basketball program is sure to be visible long after he has received his diploma and left the Denver campus.

Finishing off the 2014 season and his DU career, Udofia will be leaving his name in the record books. Udofia ranked first in Denver history in blocked shots (256), games played (124), fifth in points (1,501) and field goals made (551), and seventh in assists (349), steals (141) and free throws made (334).

“It’s been a great experience,” said Udofia. “I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. Freshman year, we didn’t have the record that we desired, but being able to be a part of a team that was able to win over 20 games and then move onto the Conference Championships was amazing and I’m glad that I had something to do with it.”

As a freshman, Udofia was voted as DU’s Most Valuable Freshman, and as a sophomore, he was voted as DU’s Most Valuable Player.

In his junior season, Udofia held the title of team captain and was also touted DU Male Athlete of the Year. Udofia finished out his senior season as captain and was named to the All-Summit League First Team.
There are also last year’s high points to consider regarding the Udofia legacy.

“Winning the regular season conference championship last year was pretty cool. Getting to cut the nets down with all of the guys afterwards was something I’ll never forget,” Udofia said.

Apart from breaking his wrist in the first round of the Conference Tournament this year, looking back on his final season as a Pioneer, Udofia was content with what he and his team accomplished.

“It would have been nice to make it to the National Tournament, but at the same time, I was not disappointed by the season as a whole. Some things could have gone differently on our side and certain games we let slip away too easily,” said Udofia.

The roller coaster ride that Udofia describes is by no means limited to the hardcourt. Last year, he faced the passing of his father, Don, to a battle with cancer. A heartbreaking loss, it took time for Udofia to get back on his feet. Thankfully, with the support of his teammates and coaches, Udofia was able to adjust.

“Basketball was always the one thing I could use to escape. Being around a great team of guys who were always nice and funny helped a lot too. It showed the character of the guys around and the coaches and the training staff. They were all really helpful for me during the whole thing. I just think that’s something you don’t come across too often,” said Udofia.

Denver Head Coach, Joe Scott, was close to Udofia’s father, and Udofia thanks him for being a mentor throughout the years and during the passing of his father.

“My dad was always my biggest supporter with sports and school, or with anything really. He was also great friends with Scott and the coaching staff. I think that I was able to continue out my career here and to graduate in June was something that he definitely helped and I am glad that I was able to do that for him,” said Udofia.

Born and raised in Irving, Texas, Udofia had never visited Colorado until taking his unofficial visit to DU. In high school, Udofia claims that he was not the best player, but that his love for the sport, the coaches and team at Denver made him want to play baskebtall at the college level.

“Being a prestigious school, I felt like DU was the perfect place to be. I thought this was the place for me and it turned out to be a great choice,” said Udofia.

Graduating in June with a major in integrated science, Udofia is preparing for a career in sports medicine, but is unsure of what the future holds, as he is planning on pursuing a basketball career on the professional level.

This summer, Udofia will be training with various NBA programs and is hoping to end up on a summer league team and to then play professionally in Europe.

In an ideal world, it would be Udofia’s dream to eventually play for the Dallas Mavericks and to coach when he retires.

“I have to work hard,” Udofia said. “I know it’s going to be a tough summer, but hopefully I’ll land a spot where I can show my talents. I just want to play for as long as possible and then hopefully after that go into sports medicine, where I can still be involved with basketball and the medical aspect of the game, as well.”
On and off the court, Udofia is referred to as a leader by his teammates and coaches and is “humbled” by that title.

“The friendships I’ve built are great, that kind of bond is very nice. I know they’ll be around for the rest of my life,” Udofia said.

As Udofia prepares for graduation, his time at Denver was an experience he is thankful for.
“My career at DU has been great and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”