Christmas came a little late for Val Oplchenski this year in the form of a scholarship offer. The day after Christmas, the senior received his first offer from Roosevelt University, an NAIA school in downtown Chicago. The offer came following his game versus Solorio in the opening round of the Jack Tosh Tournament, in which he put up 19 points and 13 rebounds. 

Oplchenski is a 6’5” senior forward at Highland Park High School (IL). After missing his entire sophomore year with a torn ACL, the forward has bounced back nicely following the injury. So far on the year Oplchenski is averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game to lead his Highland Park team to an 8-3 record.

“It was a really exciting feeling knowing that there was a school out there that recognized what I could provide to their program. It felt even better when my teammates and coaching staff were all congratulating me because I wouldn’t have gotten the offer if it weren’t for them,” Oplchenski mentioned on the feeling about receiving his first offer.  

When talking about what he likes about Roosevelt University, he told us “I like the location of the school. I’ve always loved the city of Chicago and it would be really cool to spend four years in the best city in the world. Other than the location, the guys on the team are a really great group of guys and I would really see myself being a great fit with them.”

In addition to Roosevelt, the forward has interest from several division two, three, and NAIA schools. He currently has no timeline at all on a commitment. “I want to be really sure I’m committing to a school that I’ll love to be at for the next four years of my life.” With another healthy year for Oplchenski, look for his interest just to increase.