Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Xavier University secured its final men's basketball commitment for the class of 2004 from shooting guard Churchill Odia.

The 6-foot-6 Odia, from Montrose Christian (Md.) School, visited Xavier last weekend and committed during his visit, according to Montrose Christian assistant coach David Adkins.

Odia spent part of his summer in Africa playing for the Nigerian national team in the African basketball championships. Current Xavier standout Romain Sato also played in the tournament for Central African Republic.

Odia, ranked the 25th best player in the 2004 class by www.Hoopscooponline.com, completes next season's incoming class that includes Moeller's Josh Duncan and Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy's Stanley Burrell. Vanderbilt transfer Brian Thornton technically counts against this season's scholarship limit, but won't be eligible to play until next season.

Odia's commitment ends Xavier's recruitment of Philadelphia Cardinal Dougherty point guard Kyle Lowry.