Syracuse Basketball: Gbinije, Richardson Grab All-ACC Honors
By David Stone
In a season of ups and downs for Syracuse basketball, there was one player that was a constant spark: Michael Gbinije.
Gbinije finished the regular season averaging 17.6 points (5th in the ACC), 4.5 assists (3rd), 4.1 rebounds, and 2 steals (1st) per game. He was the most consistent player in the entire ACC and was the only player to score double digits in every single game this year. He’s been the rock that has kept SU from completely falling apart and the one constant in a season of turmoil.
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For his outstanding effort, he has been rewarded with
(finishing sixth overall in total votes), as well as a member of the All-ACC defensive team (finished third in votes). He also finished third in ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Michael Gbinije has been nothing short of outstanding for Syracuse basketball all season. The highlight of the year had to come on senior night in the Carrier Dome for him, where he scorched the nets for 34 points and eight 3-pointers in his last game in front of the home crowd. Other outstanding performances for him included 26 points and six 3’s against Charlotte, 24 points and five 3’s against Virginia, and 22 points against FSU in the first meeting.
I can’t say enough about how happy I am for Mike. Since watching him this summer for team Nigeria in the AfroBasket 2015 Tournament, I knew he was something special. He’s proven that with his consistency, dedication, and focus throughout the entire year. Congratulations Mike, you’ve earned these honors.
Malachi Richardson was also honored by the ACC, making the All-ACC Freshman Team (finished fourth in the voting) and tied for second in ACC Freshman of the year behind Brandon Ingram.
Richardson also had an outstanding year and really turned it on in the second half of the season. Once conference play started, Richardson averaged 15 points and shot 41.5% from 3-point range. Even factoring the entire year, Richardson was still second on the squad in scoring (13.2), tied for third in rebounding (4.4), and third in assists (2.2).
He showed off an incredible ability to not only shoot, but also drive the ball to the hoop and score in traffic. Even playing out of position at small forward he was a huge contributor to the team and far exceeded my expectations of him as a freshman. I’m glad to see that all his hard work didn’t go unnoticed and can’t wait to see him back next year for Syracuse basketball.
Last but not least was Tyler Lydon. Although he didn’t officially bring home an award, he finished fourth in the ACC Sixth Man of the Year Award, something he should be very proud of. Lydon played with intense energy and a constant motor all year.
Although a hesitant shooter at times, he really began to shine in the last 10 games of the season, scoring in double figures in eight of them. His best game came against Pitt, when he almost single-handedly kept us in the game, scoring 21 points and hitting four 3-pointers.
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On the season, Lydon finished with an impressive 10.2 points, 6.4 rebounds (16th in the ACC), and 1.5 blocks (tied for 5th). He was a versatile athlete who, despite also playing out of position, showed no fear and never got intimidated. Next year should be an excellent one for him as he returns to his normal position (4) as we will see Paschal Chukwu and Dajuan Coleman split time at center most likely.
Even with a lackluster finish to the season, Syracuse basketball certainly had some talented players. Gbinije, Richardson, and Lydon are all incredibly deserving of the honors they received. Losing Gbinije next year will be tough, but I’m extremely confident that the young nucleus we’ve developed, combined with next year’s class of Moyer, Battle, Chukwu, and maybe even Thompson will get us right back into NCAA contention.
The future is looking bright for Syracuse basketball and I for one can’t wait!