Paschal Chukwu: Past, Present & Future
Paschal Chukwu’s rise has been rapid. In the past year, the seven-footer has evolved into a dominant inside presence for Fairfield Prep (CT) and Connecticut Basketball Club (CBC). Chukwu, who began playing basketball just three years ago after moving from Nigeria to southern Connecticut to attend high school, has gone from being an under the radar prospect to one of the top ranked big men in the Class of 2014.
Chukwu has improved so much in such a short amount of time that fans may be forgiven for thinking that the path to stardom has been easy for him. In reality, that could not be further from the truth. Chukwu’s tremendous work ethic has allowed him to learn the game and develop into a great all-around player, and he has no intention of slowing down.
When Chukwu came to the United States before his freshman year, basketball was not even on his radar. He chose to come and live with a host family because of the educational opportunities offered by attending high school in the U.S., and his sport was soccer. However, when you are as tall as Chukwu is, someone is bound to introduce you to basketball eventually. Once a friend began teaching him the game, Chukwu never looked back.
“I liked basketball immediately,” Chukwu said. “Once I started playing seriously and decided I could be really good at it, I dedicated myself to constantly getting better. Playing basketball also helped me out with school. I’m going to go to a good college because of basketball.”
Through hard work, Chukwu has been able to convert his raw talent into an assortment of skills. His height and athleticism helps him be an elite shot blocker and strong rebounder on both ends. On offense, Chukwu’s strength and agility allows him to finish well at the rim, and he has developed a reliable fadeaway shot and jumper.
Not surprisingly, Chukwu’s favorite part of the game is blocking shots. Chukwu demonstrated the ability to block shots from the moment he first began playing, but evolved into the ultimate rim protector by learning how to position himself in the paint and anticipate shots. These days, the big man encourages opposing players to challenge him.
“I tell my guards to draw opposing players to me,” Chukwu stated. “Once they do, I am able to see what direction the players are taking the ball and can anticipate the shot.”
Chukwu has made vast improvements in his offensive game in a short period of time. Through practice and repetition, he has been able to develop a strong arsenal of low post moves and has mastered the art of scoring with either hand or over his shoulder. That same work ethic has helped Chukwu slowly but surely improve as a shooter and turn himself into someone who can knock down a shot from anywhere inside the three-point line.
Chukwu takes a very simple approach on offense. He stated that he puts all his focus into making one strong move that will get him in position for a good shot.
Chuwku credited all his improvement to the coaches of Connecticut Basketball Club. He has been playing for the program for three years. Dan Donnelly, who coaches him on CBC’s 17u squad, said that Chuwku is one of the hardest workers he has ever coached.
“Paschal is always asking the coaches questions and is constantly trying to learn more and improve his game,” Donnelly said. “It’s great to see a kid progress in that manner.”
Chuwku helped lead CBC to the 17u title at the Super 16 Showcase over Memorial Day weekend. He did not make a big impact on offense during the tournament, but was yet again a difference maker on defense and acted as a leader for his team. Chuwku has often struggled against more muscular big men in the past, but held his own against a number of talented big men. Donnelly praised his effort in the post and said that he did an excellent job on the boards and with blocking shots, especially against New Heights in the title game. Chuwku believes that the Super 16 Showcase was a great learning experience for him and helped demonstrate what approach he needs to take when facing brawny big men.
Chuwku has a long way to go to reach his full potential as a player. He is constantly working on making his low post moves and jump shot more efficient, and is capable of becoming a more effective rebounder and defender. The skinny Chuwku is attempting to add 30 pounds of weight and muscle and reach 245 pounds. By the start of next year, he wants to be a much more well-rounded player.
“I am trying to be more aggressive offensively in practice and games, especially with taking jump shots,” Chukwu stated. “I think that adding more weight will help me improve inside and compete better against other big guys at this level and when I get to college. It’s not just about getting better on my own, though. In the end, all that matters is helping my team win.”
Chukwu is being heavily recruited by a number of top programs, and will draw even more attention if he continues to progress as expected. Chukwu’s work ethic and hunger to win causes Donnelly to believe that the sky is the limit for him.
“Paschal will continue to get better and become more comfortable playing against bigger kids,” Donnelly stated. “I expect him to take a big step forward when he gets to college and is learning under those coaches and is able to benefit from a strong weight-training program. He has the ability to make a big impact in college because he will always have the desire to get better and the passion to win.”
Paschal Chukwu