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Syracuse Basketball: Will Pachal Chukwu Bounce Back Next Season?

By Zachary Weisleder

Nov 18, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim talks with center Paschal Chukwu (13) against the Monmouth Hawks during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Monmouth 71-50. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim talks with center Paschal Chukwu (13) against the Monmouth Hawks during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Monmouth 71-50. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Syracuse basketball season is still a few months away, but some big questions loom. Including will Paschal Chukwu bounce back next season?

Under Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim, there haven’t been many transfers. Aside from Michael Gbinije, Wesley Johnson, Andy Rautins, and 2016-17 transfers Andrew White III and John Gillon, the word transfer and Syracuse are on opposite ends of the spectrum in my books. Let’s hope that Paschal Chukwu isn’t a forgotten transfer, and that he can turn heads next season.

Although Syracuse has returning big man Taurean Thompson, and four-star big man Bourama Sidibe set to play next season, many are hoping that former Providence Friar Paschal Chukwu can improve on a rather disappointing 2016-17 season that was plagued by injuries.

Nov 18, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; SU Orange head coach Jim Boeheim talks with center Paschal Chukwu. (13) against the Monmouth Hawks during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Monmouth 71-50. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; SU Orange head coach Jim Boeheim talks with center Paschal Chukwu. (13) against the Monmouth Hawks during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Monmouth 71-50. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Syracuse fans were hoping that Chukwu, a 7-2, 226 pound Center would be able to eliminate any rebounding issues this team had early on in 2016.

Unfortunately, Paschal Chukwu was only able to participate in seven games due to a torn retina. The big man has seen virtually no action over the past two years after sitting out the 2015-16, and getting injured early on during his first season with Syracuse.

Chukwu’s inability to practice with the team last season means that a summer of hard work is mandatory. Chukwu, who only weighs 226 pounds, needs to both gain weight, and familiarize himself with the tough position battle’s that ACC big men participate in on a nightly basis during the regular season.

Nov 22, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; SU Orange center Paschal Chukwu (13) shoots a free throw against the Bulldogs during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated South Carolina State 101-59. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; SU Orange center Paschal Chukwu (13) shoots a free throw against the Bulldogs during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated South Carolina State 101-59. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Expectations?

Chukwu’s expectations for the 2017-18 season will be far lower than they were at the beginning of this past season. After undergoing three surgeries in order to repair his retina, most probably don’t expect much from the big man.

However, I believe that Paschal Chukwu can be a strong player under Jim Boeheim, if he can stay healthy. Although Chukwu’s averages during his limited 2016 action weren’t strong by any means, he was able to average about four rebounds, shoot 66%, and block two shots per game.

While his offensive numbers may not be eye-popping, his defensive capabilities could put the Orange over the top.

Next: Syracuse Basketball Recruiting: Eric Ayala May Reclassify To 2017

Whether he is starting or sitting, a healthy Paschal Chukwu can do this team a ton of favors. Bourama Sidibe could very well start beside Taurean Thompson. Although that wouldn’t give SU nearly as much size in the paint as they would get with Chukwu. If Thompson is able to play as the power forward, I believe that not only will his offensive game improve, but he will commit far less fouls on the defensive end.

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