High school hoops star might actually be 30-year-old from Africa

By Kerouac Smith, Kerouac Smith

Published April 21, 2016

Jonathon Nicola was a rising star on the Canadian high school hoops scene this year, his first in Windsor after fleeing his wartorn South Sudan home late last year.

Enrolling as an 11th grader at Catholic Central High School, the 6-foot-9, 202-pound Nicola had an instant impact on the team. His coach even touted him as a possible NBA prospect.

Just one problem: He might be 30 years old.

Canadian border officials have reportedly detained Nicola for allegedly contravening the Immigration Refugee Protection Act and believe him to actually be 13 years older than he has claimed, according to the Windsor Star.

Nicola, who was in Windsor on a student visa, had been living with the team's coach, Pete Cusumano.

A spokesman for the school district addressed the report, though couldn't say much.

"There's really not a whole lot to say. Because of the fact this is a matter that's still outstanding before the federal authorities, obviously we can't really comment on it. Beyond that there's not a whole lot to say," spokesman Stephen Fields told the Star.

(h/t to Larry Brown Sports)

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/high-school-hoops-star-might-actually-be-30-year-old-from-africa