PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's basketball program is thrilled to welcome a versatile forward from Chatsworth, California to The Knighthood in Chris Nwuli.
Nwuli is a 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward, known for his passion and intensity on the court.
Nwuli brings speed, versatility, and a defensive mindset to Piscataway next fall. Nwuli decided to commit to Rutgers after he visited campus in October. He chose Rutgers over his other finalists (Louisville, San Diego State, USC, UCLA, Utah, and TCU).
"Chris is one of the best athletes in the 2025 class," Rutgers head coach
Steve Pikiell said. "He's a high-flyer and a terrific defensive player. He comes from a terrific AAU program. the Oakland Soldiers and will be fun to watch at Sierra Canyon High School this season. He may be one of the most versatile defenders in the class. It's exciting to add another great family to Rutgers Nation."
Nwuli (KNEW-Li) is ranked as the 41
st player in the nation by ESPN.com, 129th by 247Sports, and 117th by Rivals. He has traveled throughout high school as he attended Wasatch Academy (Utah), and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and will wrap up his high school career at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles, California.
"I bring excitement, and I want to make sure everybody knows that our team is the best team on the court, and we will always be having the most fun playing," Nwuli said. "I love having fun playing basketball, it's just what I love to do, so I'm looking forward to bringing it to Rutgers. I love the game."
Nwuli played AAU basketball alongside Lino Mark, a fellow member of the Scarlet Knights 2025 class. Their team went to the title game at EYBL Peach Jam Classic in July, after going 14-1 at the circuit under founder and head coach Mark Olivier. Nwuli averaged 12.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the tournament.
Pikiell and Rutgers assistant coach
Marlon Williamson spotted him on the EYBL circuit and fell in love with his game.
"Chris is multi-dimensional, high risers, a defender, and a competitor," Rutgers assistant coach
Marlon Williamson said. "Chris does all the things it takes to contribute to winning. That's what Rutgers is about and that is what Coach Pikiell has built this program on. Chris can fill whatever gap is needed."
Olivier felt the defensive mindset of Pikiell, and the Scarlet Knights could fit Nwuli perfectly.
"His athleticism is ridiculous, and he has a toughness about him. He was the core to our team because he could guard one of best defensive guards or centers our opponents had and he wasn't even a center," Olivier said. "You could play him like a Draymond (Green), and you don't lose any toughness. One of the biggest things we talked about was his shooting I think a lot of people miss how good of a shooter he is from outside. He was over 40 percent at the three-point line but runs like a deer and he's finishing at the rim on the top of that."
Olivier says Nwuli gets his passion from his mother (Christieanah) and his father (Tony) who both played overseas. His mother was a professional in London and his father played abroad in Nigeria. Nwuli grew up playing scorer and credits his motor on the basketball court to the conditioning required on the pitch.
Nwuli cited that he loved watching highlights of Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony to learn how to score at his size at a high level. Nwuli said that he's always wanted to play basketball on the East Coast and that his visit to Rutgers confirmed that he wanted to pursue that opportunity at the next level.
"What my wife and I have always implanted in our kids is that no matter where you are, make it feel like home," his father Tony said. "Make it feel like family, so you're never far from home. That's what he brings - a sense of family. He rides and dies for family."
