Syracuse Basketball: 5 Reasons SU Men Win a Championship

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Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shoots over Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) and forward Tyler Lydon (20) during the first half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Freshman Phenoms

Tyler Lydon and Malachi Richardson are playing unbelievable in this tournament. Both have proven that they are fantastic freshman and have blown away any and all expectations put on them. For any of those Syracuse nay-sayers out there who like to whine about Syracuse basketball’s “poor recruiting” lately, look no further than those two. Heck, include Frank Howard in there, as he is going to be an absolute star in time.

Richardson was the biggest reason Syracuse basketball is even in the Final Four. His second half performance against Virginia was a thing of beauty. It was one of the single greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed in SU history. He scored 21 second half points, hit three enormous 3-pointers, and slashed to the hoop for baskets against one of the best interior defenses in the country.

He also collected two monumentally key steals during the run, and it was his emotion that fueled the Orange to victory. He was a constant firecracker on both ends of the court and his energy was contagious. You could just see the team getting fired up behind him and he was the difference in that game.

Not to be outdone, Tyler Lydon has been about as solid as anyone in the NCAA tournament so far. He’s averaging 10.8 points, 6 rebounds, and a ridiculous 4.5 blocks per game. In his last three games, he’s had 6, 6, and 5 blocks. He has been an absolute monster on the defensive end, pulling down rebounds, flying all over the court, and swatting shots like they are flies.

His tenacity and non-stop motor have been the anchor in the back line of the zone which has been so shaky at times this season. In this tournament, it has been rock solid. He’s played more aggressive in the middle, and even against bigger players has looked outstanding in forcing teams into tough shots.

These two freshman have been some of the best on any team in the tournament. Discounting Buddy Hield, I think they are the best two left playing in the Final Four. If they can continue to play at this high level the next two games, I just don’t see any team that’s left being able to beat SU.

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