USF women’s basketball senior forward L’or Mputu knew her hard work would pay off – it was just a matter of time.

In her native language of French, her first name translates to “Gold” –  a fitting description of her value to the Bulls this season.

When she was named American Athletic Conference (AAC) player of the week on Feb. 3, Mputu, 23,  said she was thrilled to receive the honor, but more importantly, it served as motivation.

“When you see the results, it makes you feel more confident and want to keep working,” Mputu, 23, said.

Last year, Mputu barely saw the floor, averaging under nine minutes a game. Now, she’s become one of the Bulls’ most reliable players, leading the team in field goal percentage through 24 games.

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At the start of the season, Mputu’s role was limited. Head coach Jose Fernandez said her responsibilities were simple.

“She needs to clean the glass, and be great at defending pick and roll situations,” Fernandez said after USF’s win versus Mount St. Mary’s on Nov. 7.

Mputu has done both and more. She’s second on the team in rebounds with 99 and leads the Bulls with 26 blocks. 

 Mputu also expanded her offensive skill set, jumping from 2.8 points per game last season to 9.8 this season.

During the Bulls’ current five-game winning streak, Mputu is averaging 12.6 points and 8.4 rebounds. 

She credited her improved production to refining her post-game. 

Mputu said while the technique is simple, it’s something she wants to continuously improve.

“Those are little basic things I do every day,” Mputu said. “I know it’s boring, but I’m trying to master all these little things.”

Long before Mputu became a defensive anchor for USF, she started her basketball journey with an act of sacrifice. 

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mputu left home at 15 to pursue her basketball dreams.

Mputu hasn’t seen her mother Charlotte Evoloko Bokele, or her brother Ritchie in eight years. She said the challenge of being so far away from home has never faded.

“It’s one thing I’ve always struggled with, I miss my family, I wish I could see them,” Mputu said. 

When Mputu first arrived in the U.S. in 2017, she landed in Washington state. She then moved down south to Atlanta to play for Greenforest Christian Academy.

Mputu excelled in her prep career, earning All-Regional Team honors three times. However, the impressive resume didn’t lead her automatically to the Division I level. 

Instead, she began her collegiate career at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC), a junior college (JUCO) division.

With the Titans, Mputu continued her stellar play. She averaged 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds, in her sophomore year, en route to an All-Central Conference Player of the Year award.

Mputu said EFSC’s playing style was a stark difference to what she does at USF

“My first year, I barely played, so I had to keep working on myself to adjust on the D1 level because it’s really different from the work we’re doing compared to JUCO,” she said.

A key reason why Mputu chose the Bulls was the team’s international makeup. Including her, South Florida’s roster features 11 athletes with origins outside the U.S.

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Mputu said the team’s ability to relate to her situation makes her feel that she isn’t alone.

 “We’re all from different countries, we’re all here for the same opportunity,” Mputu said. “You feel like you’re not by yourself when you have people around you with the same goal.”

While most focus on the on-court chemistry, Mputu said the team’s bond outside of basketball is what has been most beneficial to her. 

She said a perfect example of this is a nickname they call her, given by senior forward Romi Levy, another international player.

“They call me Pucca,” Mputu said, in between laughs and giggles.

Pucca is the titular character of a South Korean animated television series. Mputu received the moniker because of her multiple ponytail style, a signature look Pucca rocks in the show.

Although Mputu is a senior, Bulls fans won’t have to say goodbye to her just yet after the season. She has another year of eligibility remaining in her collegiate career.

When asked if she’d make the return to Tampa Bay, she smiled, nodded, and kept the answer short and simple.

“I’ll be back,” Mputu said.

USF will be back in action at 7.pm. on Wednesday . versus Rice. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited Radio.