By Dustin Dow
Enquirer staff writer

Churchill Odia's long and sometimes uncertain journey to Xavier University is almost ready to end with Odia's expected arrival on campus this weekend.

Odia, a 6-foot-6 point guard from Nigeria, is Xavier's highest-rated incoming recruit in a freshman class that is regarded among the best in school history.

His recruitment has stalled, however, since he orally committed to Xavier last September, primarily because of a student visa quandary. That process is finally near completion with final logistical steps to be taken care of next week, Xavier coach Sean Miller said. Meanwhile, Odia will begin attending class Monday, the first day of the fall semester.

"The change in (visa) status we anticipate coming in his first week of school," Miller said. "But he is coming to Xavier, and I fully plan for him to be playing this season."

Odia played high school basketball at Montrose (Md.) Christian School, but was ineligible his senior year because of numerous delays in the reworking of his visa.

In order to be eligible for competition at Xavier, Odia's transcripts will also have to be approved by the NCAA clearinghouse, a normal administrative step.

In Odia's case, it is expected to take a few extra weeks because of the complexity of the situation involving a foreign student.

Because Xavier is taking an exhibition trip to the Bahamas Oct. 6-10, the Musketeers will be allowed 10 days of practice prior to the trip. The clearinghouse is expected to approve Odia by the time those practices begin in mid-September, but Odia will be able to practice regardless.

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com