Chris Mpaka, a towering presence from Kinshasa, has taken the next step in his basketball journey by signing a professional contract with Rouen Métropole Basket of France’s LNB Pro B League. The deal marks the culmination of a collegiate career that saw the Congolese center dominate the paint at Tarleton State University.
A collegiate legacy etched in records
During his time with the Texans, Mpaka rewrote the record books, becoming the all‑time leader in career blocks with 74 and ranking third in D1 history for rebounds with 299. He also placed among the top 15 scorers with 466 total points, while shooting efficiently at a field‑goal percentage above 50 percent. His impact was felt in 18 games where he led the team in blocks, and he posted a career‑high 24 points against Merrimack, highlighting his offensive versatility.
Mpaka’s statistical footprint extends beyond raw numbers. He averaged 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 19.0 minutes per game, a testament to his efficiency and role as a key contributor off the bench. The big man also earned the distinction of being one of only two Division I Texans to appear in at least 50 games while maintaining a shooting percentage over 50 percent, underscoring his consistency and durability.
Rouen Métropole Basket, a storied institution with a history of regular‑season titles and French Cup semifinal appearances, will welcome the Congolese center into a roster that already features former NBA players such as Karim Mané, Chima Moneke, Narcisse Ngoy and Daequan Cook. The club, one of twenty teams in the LNB Pro B, is set to begin its season in September 2026, and Mpaka is expected to add depth and defensive presence to a squad aiming for a strong campaign.
The move also reflects the broader pathway many American college players take to launch professional careers overseas, and Mpaka’s transition will be closely watched by scouts and fans alike. As he prepares for his first season in France, the Congolese big man carries the expectations of a program that has produced notable alumni and continues to compete at a high level in European basketball.