Well-Traveled Iti Leaving Villa Park

A 6-foot-11 basketball player whose recent transfer to Villa Park High signaled promise for the Spartans, abruptly withdrew from classes Friday after his mother requested he be sent home to Australia.

Sophomore center Martin Iti never played for Villa Park. He transferred there from Servite last month, enrolling in his fifth high school in two years.

After Iti’s mother rescinded her approval of local guardianship, Orange County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Villa Park High Friday to review legal documents paving the way for the teen’s return to his mother in Australia, according to a school official who declined to be identified.

“His mother wanted him to come home to Sydney,” the official said. “He decided he wanted to honor his mother’s wishes.”

Iti was expected to board a Friday night flight bound for Sydney, the official said. He could not be reached for comment.

“He attended class for a certain portion of the day, and then left,” the official said. It was very unexpected.”

Iti averaged 12 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for Servite last season. He and another Servite player, guard Kyle Hogan, transferred to Villa Park April 25. Villa Park Coach Kevin Reynolds said Friday he had heard rumors about Iti’s departure, but could not provide details.

“I don’t know anything right now,” he said. “I’m trying to get more information.” Before enrolling at Servite, Iti attended two Denver-area schools, then moved to Cardinal Gibbons High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His 1998-99 season was cut short when he said he hurt his knee. He then came to Southern California to play in tournaments for Bob Gottlieb’s Branch West Basketball Academy traveling team. Iti played with Branch West again this spring.

Gottlieb, in Wisconsin to attend a wedding, said he was “absolutely shocked” by Iti’s departure. He said he talked to Iti Sunday and said the player was “very happy” with his new school and coach.

Villa Park Athletic Director Frank Becker did not return a call seeking comment.