Chesterton's Basila Finds Success After Leaving Congo

6-foot-7 forward Bradly Basila has emerged as an impact player for the Chesterton High School basketball team after moving to the U.S. from Congo.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Chesterton sophomore Bradly Basila, a 6-foot-7 forward, left his family in Congo to come to the United States in January 2025 and now lives with a host family while attending school and playing basketball for Chesterton High School. Despite being 7,000 miles away from his mother, Basila has embraced his new life and is enjoying a breakout season, averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game.

Why it matters

Basila's story highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with being an international student-athlete. His ability to adapt to a new country, culture, and basketball program while maintaining a close connection with his family back home is an inspiring example of resilience and determination.

The details

Basila, who hopes to play college basketball, has worked hard to improve his game, particularly his shooting and strength. Chesterton coach Marc Urban praised Basila's willingness to learn and grow, noting that he is a "very strong, very athletic kid" who has put on 20-25 pounds since arriving in the U.S. Basila's teammates have also praised his kind personality and unique interests, such as his talent for drawing.

  • Basila came to the United States in January 2025.
  • Basila is currently a sophomore at Chesterton High School.

The players

Bradly Basila

A 6-foot-7 forward for the Chesterton High School basketball team who left his family in Congo to come to the United States in January 2025.

Charlyse Mamonekene

Basila's mother, who lives in Congo with the rest of his family.

Marc Urban

The head coach of the Chesterton High School basketball team, who has praised Basila's work ethic and willingness to improve.

Logan Pokorney

A senior guard/forward for the Chesterton High School basketball team, who has praised Basila's kind personality and unique interests.

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What they’re saying

“She's away from my eyes but closer to my heart.”

— Bradly Basila

“Have fun with everything. That's the rule for me right now: Try to have fun. Yeah, work hard when it's practice, work hard in a game, but enjoy it after.”

— Bradly Basila

“He's one of the nicest kids you can possibly be around, and he gets along with everybody. I'll walk in the lunchroom, and he'll be sitting with five kids I might not know or who might be different from the day before. He doesn't care. He just sits down and enjoys meeting people. He's just a super nice kid.”

— Marc Urban, Chesterton High School Basketball Coach

What’s next

Basila and the Chesterton Trojans will play No. 4 Crown Point in the Class 4A Michigan City Regional on Saturday, March 16, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The takeaway

Bradly Basila's journey from Congo to Chesterton, Indiana, and his success on the basketball court despite the challenges of being an international student-athlete, is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of embracing new opportunities.