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Former Providence Friar center Paschal Chukwu recently announced he would transfer from the school. Syracuse could be his potential landing spot. As previously reported, Chukwu has planned on visit Jim Boeheim's program for sometime now. That time has finally come as he will visit this weekend, according to Jon Rothstein.
Providence transfer Paschal Chukwu will visit Syracuse this weekend, source told @CBSSports. UVA, Iona, MSU, and Nebraska in the mix. #pcbb
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 25, 2015
The 7-foot-2 center has already visited Iona, Kansas, Michigan State, Nebraska and Virginia, according to multiple reports.
Paschal will have three seasons of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2015-16 season, which would be ideal for the Orange. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds this past season for the Friars, but you can't teach size. Imagine a 7-foot-2 center sitting the middle of Jim Boeheim's zone protecting the rim. It opens up the guards to jump more passing lanes, a dominant force on the glass and much needed depth.
If the former Friar chooses Syracuse, the Orange would begin their scholarship reductions in the 2016-17 season. Chukwu would put SU at 11 total scholarships, one over the new limit. Syracuse currently has one open scholarship for the 2016-17 season, but that would immediately become Paschal's. So, what would happen to Tyus Battle and Alterique Gilbert? Well, there is the possibility of regaining previously banned scholarships, but that's far from a guarantee.
NunesMagician.com recently put together a full roster breakdown, including scholarships and projected rosters throughout the four years of NCAA sanctions.
The current scholarship limitations could be subject to change, depending on if SU's appeal is successful.
The thought of having a 7-foot-2 rim protector in the middle of Jim Boeheim's zone should make Syracuse Orange fans very excited. But, is a project-type transfer worth delaying the scholarship reduction?