Paschal Chukwu, a seven-foot transfer is already ready to anchor the zone next season.  Standing at 7-foot-2, the former Providence Friar gives Syracuse a legitimate shot blocking threat and defensive stalwart in the middle of the zone that the Orange sorely missed last season.  Now, imagine having two seven-footers ready to dominate down low.  This could be the case for SU, whose recruiting class for next season is heating up with rumors again.
Omer Yurtseven, a (fittingly) seven-foot Turkish prospect visited campus last week seemingly out of nowhere.  He is viewed as an elite prospect and is already projected to be a lottery pick next season, with analysts assuming the talented one-and-done player is already NBA-ready.  He recently played for Turkey in the FIBA U18 tournament, where he averaged 9.8 points and 8.7 boards per game.
Unlike many other international high school prospects, Yurtseven is opting to play overseas in college instead of signing a professional contract internationally.  He clearly has confidence in his ability to play with the best in the world, as college ball is often viewed as much more challenging than playing outside of the country before the NBA Draft.  The only thing stopping the big man from playing in the United States is the notion that he may have taken funds from a Turkish club, in which case he would become ineligible.  This similarly happened with former Kentucky recruit and current NBA Player Enes Kanter.
According to Mike Waters, Yurtseven has not received an offer from the Orange coaching staff yet.  However, he says that SU, Duke, NC State, and Tennessee are the current frontrunners for his services.
The Orange recently had top target Taurean Thompson on campus, who narrowed his short list down to just three schools.  SU would have enough scholarships to bring in Thompson, Yurtseven, and have Malachi Richardson return.  Needless to say, the current projected rotation plus those three would have to make the Orange title contenders.  SU could boast a frontcourt of Chukwu, Yurtseven, and Tyler Lydon at once.  It also has seniors Tyler Roberson and Dajuan Coleman, and incoming freshman Mathew Moyer ready to step in.
Be sure to follow The Fizz on Twitter @OrangeFizz for all of your SU recruiting news.  Follow along up through decision day for both Thompson and Yurtseven.
