The compelling and inspirational story of Blondy Baruti is about to add another exciting chapter as the Mesa High School forward is set to head to Tulsa University on a basketball scholarship in mid-June.

As many Arizona high school sports fans know, Baruti escaped the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo almost two years ago with the help of Terry and Laurie Blitz. The couple knew Baruti’s guardian and decided to help bring the young man to the United States.

After the situation with his guardian fell through, Terry and Laurie, who have three grown sons, stuck with Baruti and welcomed him into their family. Because all of their children were already out of the house, they were in a great situation to help and nurture Baruti.

“He’s always been a great kid since the day he got here,” said Terry Blitz. “It has been a two year journey for our family, and a roller coaster ride at times, but the end result is worth every second.”

Since coming to Mesa prior to the 2008 school year, Baruti has excelled in school and developed as a basketball player, said Blitz. Despite having to become acclimated to the culture and lifestyle of the United States, Baruti has adjusted well and will be graduating with honors from Mesa High.

In addition to his academics, Baruti’s size (6’9”) and promise on the court (he averaged about eight points, eight rebounds and four blocks a game as a senior) attracted attention from several universities, including Northern Colorado, San Diego and San Diego State.

Despite these offers and the countless others that were sure to come, Baruti quickly settled on Tulsa for one main reason: Baruti’s best friend and former Mesa guard Donte Medder already attends the school and plays for the basketball program.

The familiarity and camaraderie that Medder will provide is sure to help Baruti become acclimated to yet another new environment, said Blitz.

Additionally, Terry and Laurie helped Baruti obtain political asylum so he no longer needs a student visa to stay in the United States.

Baruti will leave for Tulsa on June 12, and Terry says he and his wife couldn’t be prouder of their fourth son.

“When this all started, we were just trying to help someone out, and in the process this is what happened,” said Blitz. “And we're very glad we did it, because Blondy is (part of) our family now.”