Paschal Chukwu expected to apply for medical redshirt

Syracuse Orange 7-foot-2 center Paschal Chukwu is expected to apply for a medical redshirt after tearing his retina in his right eye this past season, according to team spokesman Pete Moore.

Chukwu played less than 30 percent of SU’s games in 2016-17 and his injury was season-ending, which qualifies him for a medical redshirt. None of those games can come after the mid-season point, which was also true in Chukwu’s case.

Chukwu was ruled out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair the torn retina on the morning of December 17, which was Pearl Washington Day at the Carrier Dome.

The Hoyas beat the Orange, 78-71, as the late Pearl Washington was honored at halftime.

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Chukwu was on the wrong end of a no-look pass from John Gillon, that caught the big man by surprise, as it struck him in the eye in SU’s win over Holy Cross.

He wore goggles in the next few games for the Orange, but it ultimately impacted his vision. Chukwu said he didn’t have enough time to prepare for game-like situations with the goggles on, and that’s when surgery became the best option.

If Chukwu is awarded the medical redshirt from the NCAA — which all signs point to yes — he’ll have three years of eligibility remaining beginning next basketball season.

There is no timetable for his application, according to Moore.