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Syracuse center Uche Izoje earned her fourth Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week honor of the season, the conference announced Monday. It’s the first time in program history that a player has secured the award four times and comes after Izoje averaged 19.5 points and 14.5 rebounds per game in wins over Florida State and Wake Forest.

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack has repeatedly given the freshman her flowers, comparing Izoje’s talent level to Paige Bueckers and Hannah Hidalgo. The praise is warranted, as Izoje leads the Orange with 13.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. Her rebounding average ranks fifth in the ACC, while her block total leads the conference.

Through 15 games, Izoje tops the ACC with a 64.6% field-goal percentage. She shot a combined 19-for-26 against the Seminoles and Demon Deacons, totaling 39 points — her most in a two-game stretch this season.

In Syracuse’s 10-point win over Florida State, Izoje grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds and tied FSU guard Sole Williams for a game-high 21 points. Nine of Izoje’s points came in the fourth quarter, when the Seminoles trimmed SU’s lead to just two points.

Three days later against Wake Forest, Izoje secured her sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 rebounds. In 33 minutes — her second-most this season — the Nigerian showcased an expanded offensive role, knocking down three of her first five shots from outside the paint. She also added two blocks.

As ACC play ramps up, Syracuse will increasingly rely on its freshman big to anchor its frontcourt. If she stays out of foul trouble, Izoje’s poised to play a key role as the Orange look to return to March Madness for the first time since 2024.

Published on January 5, 2026 at 4:40 pm
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