Syracuse Basketball: Ranking best Orange transfers from the last decade

Paschal Chukwu

Next up is big-man and fan-favorite Paschal Chukwu. The seven-foot-two center committed to play for the Providence Friars straight out of high school.

In his first year, he played less than 10 minutes a game and had a limited impact but did average two and a half rebounds a game. Chukwu was a raw talent with limited experience, but his height gave him the advantage to excel and mature into the five position.

Head coach Jim Boeheim was able to get Chukwu to join the Orange. After sitting a season, Chukwu suited up for ‘Cuse. It wasn’t until 2017 when Chukwu got significant minutes for Syracuse. He started in every game and was pivotal down low.

For the 2-3 zone, he was in charge of the paint area and closing out on perimeter shooters. While Chukwu had his ups and downs for ‘Cuse he was a necessary big man for the squad. The next season he started many games as well, but with the addition of Bourama Sidibe, Chukwu’s playing time was cut down.

Paschal Chukwu’s Syracuse stats:

• 4.6 points per game
• 5.9 rebounds per game
• 2.1 blocks per game
• 68% from the field

Chukwu was not a scoring threat in his career, but he filled the holes on the squad. He proved to be a big shot-blocker and rebounder for the Orange. Without Chukwu, Syracuse would have needed to search for another big man. But once again, Syracuse had a hole in their roster and found the answer in the transfer portal.