By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

If Churchill Odia resolves his immigration issues by summer's end, he likely will be playing basketball at Xavier University this season.

Odia signed his national letter of intent to attend Xavier on Wednesday, the final day of the spring signing period. The process is only partially completed, however, because Odia's parents in Nigeria still have to authorize the letter.

Odia's signature removed any doubt that he would play at a school other than Xavier, including Louisville, which Odia visited in April. He had orally committed to Xavier in September, but several new schools attempted to get involved with him during the spring signing period.

Odia's high school coach, Stu Vetter at Montrose Christian School in Maryland, declined to comment on the situation until the letter is completely signed by all parties, including Odia's parents.

A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Odia still has to change his visa status from a visitor visa to a student visa in order to be eligible to attend Xavier. His application to do so was denied last year because Odia was out of the country playing basketball overseas when his application was up for review.

He is Xavier's third incoming freshman for the upcoming season, along with Josh Duncan and Stanley Burrell. Vanderbilt transfer Brian Thornton is the fourth member of the recruiting class.

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com