Syracuse Basketball vs. St. Bonaventure: 6 Things to Watch

Nov 13, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) controls the ball against the defense of Lehigh Mountain Hawks guard Devon Carter (4) during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Lehigh 57-47. Photo Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Fabulous Freshman

It’s a small sample size, but thus far Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon have looked like the real deal. They are far more mature and game-ready than I would have ever expected. They both saw extensive minutes against Lehigh and both came through with excellent production.

Malachi had 14 points, good for second on the team. He also chipped in with six rebounds, also second on the team. He showed off his absolutely gorgeous shooting stroke by draining four three pointers. He also proved he has a solid mid range game by canning an 18-footer. His athleticism was continually on display on the defensive end as well. He played solid on the wing and looks like a seasoned veteran in the zone.

Lydon is just an energizer bunny. He keeps going and going. Although he didn’t have much on the offensive end, scoring just four points, his intangibles are off the charts. Aside from his impossible hustle is the fact that he’s actually incredibly athletic and long. He blocked or altered several shots on the defensive end and even held his own in the middle against a much bulkier opponent.

Lydon grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds, including three on the offensive end. I think this is going to be routine for him this year, as he will just continually out-hustle the other team to the ball.

Next: SU vs. St. Bonaventure: Game Preview

Look for him to get involved a bit more in the scoring action. He was a bit hesitant at times to shoot and I’m sure that’s something Boeheim will work with him on. If he can be a solid contributor on offense and average about eight points a game, that will be an enormous boost to our scoring rotation.

Based on what I’ve seen so far, these two freshman are going to continue to light it up all season. I expect them both to play big minutes again tonight. I think Malachi will continue to show off his shooting, and I think Lydon will join him by hitting a couple threes of his own. I could easily see both players finishing in double digits tonight, especially if the shots are falling.

Check back after the game for full coverage and analysis of the team. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, as I will be live tweeting tonight’s game if you don’t get a chance to watch. Keep checking in for more coverage on Syracuse basketball and football as the seasons progress.