Friar Basketball

Paschal Chukwu

One of the elite shot blockers in the class of 2014, Paschal Chukwu had never touched a basketball until four years ago.

The Nigeria native quickly developed into a top 100 talent, winning Connecticut State Player of the Year at Fairfield Prep last season, leading his team to 27 straight wins before falling in the state championship.

Chukwu battled through injury early in his senior season, but rebounded to average 14 points, 11 boardsĀ and five blocks per game. He finished his career with a 21 point, 17 rebound, 12 block performance.

With fifth year senior Carson Desrosiers set to start at center, Chukwu will most likely come off the bench and give the Friars an intimidating shot blocking presence. He and Desrosiers (who had more blocks in conference play that anyone in the league last year) could be the best shot blocking duo in the Big East in 2014-15, and certainly are the best at PC since 7’2 Karim Shabazz and 6’11 Marcus Douthit anchored the paint for the NCAA Tournament team of 2001.

He was ranked in the low 60s by every major national recruiting publication.