Chika N.

Malea Eagan (Testimonial)

Some people come into your life and leave a lasting impression, and for me, that person is my best friend, Chika Nduka. Basketball may have brought us together at Montana State University, but it was Chika’s determination, strength, and character that made us lifelong friends. When I think of dedication and resilience, I immediately think of him, and one of the most inspiring moments I witnessed came during his senior year, when he faced challenges that could have broken him but instead pushed him to rise even higher. I have known Chika for about three years now. Over the years, we’ve seen each other at our best and at our worst, and I think that’s what has built such a strong and comfortable friendship between us. One of Chika’s defining moments came during his senior year at MSU. He wanted to finish his college career strong, but his coaches seemed to have other ideas. For many athletes, that kind of setback could have been discouraging. But for Chika, it only fueled his determination. I remember him calling me one night, frustrated about the situation with his coaches, basketball, and even life in general. I reminded him to prove why he had already played at two other schools in higher conferences and performed at such a high level. True to who he is, Chika took on the challenge with focus and resilience. When the season picked up, his mindset paid off; he earned more playing time, his energy was unmatched, and everything in his life, from basketball to school, seemed to fall into place. He was truly triumphing. This is who Chika is: a hardworking, kind, intelligent, and confident young man. His dedication is unmatched, and his mindset is inspiring. When he sets his mind on something, nothing can stop him. If I were you, I would want the same drive and determination that Chika Nduka has. And that is why, from the moment basketball brought us together to now, I know Chika will always be someone who leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

Andrew Younan (Testimonial)

Throughout my years as Chika’s teammate playing Division I basketball, there are countless moments I can look back on where he showed tremendous character. Chika was always the hardest-working and most motivated teammate I had throughout my career, and his passion for the game was always obvious. To give context, Division I basketball is a business full of highs and lows. One game a player might get significant playing time, and the next, he might find himself on the bench. Chika went through these ups and downs, and at this particular time, he was going through a low. However, his resilience and determination were stronger than ever. He worked harder than anyone to get back on the court and finish the season on top. I was a freshman then, still learning how things really worked. Even though he was at a low point, I believed this was Chika at his best. Every day, I watched his practices intensify and his drive to play grow. The turning point came during a practice when our coach challenged Chika to take on everyone at his position. That day, Chika was the most vocal, the hardest worker, and the one who showed his passion to play more than anyone else. He went head-to-head with the coaches, battled the other big men in his spot, and refused to let anyone take his minutes. Just a week earlier, he had been questioning whether to keep going, and now he had become someone feared and respected by everyone standing in his way. Witnessing that transformation not only showed me Chika at his best but also taught me an invaluable lesson. I learned the true meaning of resilience—that even when the odds are stacked against you, it’s possible to keep grinding every day and fight your way back through passion and determination. The coaches regained their trust and belief in him, and he went on to have a strong rest of the season. His performance even caught the attention of other universities, earning him scholarship offers and NIL opportunities. To me, this journey of highs and lows proved that even at his lowest point, Chika showed the very best version of himself.

Gloria (Testimonial)

Finally, I saw you at your best after you graduated with your bachelor's degree. Most people would take a break, but you were incredibly proactive about your future. You were applying for graduate programs and jobs at the same time, showing such determination. You went through multiple interviews for both school and different companies, and your hard work paid off. You were able to secure an MBA program at Pepperdine and an internship simultaneously. This showed your ability to juggle multiple high-stakes situations and stay focused on what you wanted. This determination, combined with your charisma, was on full display at your graduation party. You got up in front of everyone—up to 60 people—without a script and just commanded the room. You gave a speech that was so inspiring and full of gratitude. You exuded so much confidence, and it was clear how much everyone loved you and was there to celebrate you and your accomplishments. You have this incredible ability to make an impact on people's lives, and that speech was a perfect example of you at your best—humble, confident, and beloved. You've always worked hard for what you wanted, and you do it all with a humble, respectful, and loving spirit. Those qualities, combined with your refusal to give up, truly represent your best self. Why this was his best self. It shows his determination, ambition, confidence, and ability to execute under pressure. He knows what he wants, and he goes after it with consistency and maturity—but still as his natural, charismatic, humble self. Also, the love he’s built with people over time, is exactly who he is. Even small moments become meaningful with him.

Natalie Murphy (Testimonial)

From the moment I met you, I knew you were a determined and hard-working, young man the way you coached the boys the last handful of seasons has shown me nothing but dedication and confidence. There were a few times the boys were very bummed and you lifted their spirits with your smile and your Encouragement. They made it through the game. We were undefeated for many seasons and it was fantastic. There were times you were hard on them, but they needed that because that is the person and coach you are thank you for being such an inspiration to our boys. It means nothing but the world to us.

Melissa Kuchynka (Testimonial)

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for my son's basketball coach, Chika Nduka. He coached my son and his friends during the 2024 Next Level basketball season in Bozeman, MT. I then hired him to do some skills sessions with the boys in the spring. Chika truly made a positive impact on the players. He consistently took the time to get to know each of the kids individually, meeting them at their respective skill levels and fostering their growth. His encouraging approach was remarkable, and he always made practices and games incredibly fun for the kids. He always had a smile on his face and words of encouragement. One example was when the team came to cheer him on during one of his collegiate basketball games. He took the time to come out after the game and take pictures and talk with the boys. It meant so much to them. We are so grateful for his dedication to the boys and the wonderful experience he provided. All of the players (as well as their parents) wish he could coach them again this year! Sincerely, Melissa Kuchynka