Syracuse Basketball Position Preview: The Orange Guards

The Syracuse basketball team heads into the 2016-2017 season with an intriguing backcourt. It features young guys like Tyus Battle and Frank Howard. It also features guys with veteran leadership like John Gillon and Andrew White, who could also see some time at small forward. These players all bring something to the table for Jim Boeheim’s team. We will explore all that they offer:

Frank Howard: It was easy to see why Jim Boeheim brought in Howard. Last year, Howard saw spot minutes, impressing from time to time. Howard has insane vision due to his 6-foot-5 frame. He can dribble and dish off to a big man, like Tyler Lydon, Tyler Roberson, or DaJaun Coleman. The D.C native can see over the defense and kick it out to shooters like Andrew White or Tyler Lydon. Expect to see Howard’s shooting to improve. CBSSports’ Jon Rothstein cited Howard’s shooting improvement, when he observed an Orange practice.

Howard’s length and quick hands at the top of the zone will be a problem for opposing team’s offenses. His experience in the system may also give him a slight advantage over John Gillon to be the starting Point Guard.

John Gillon: Gillon is an exciting player that transferred from Colorado St. He is extremely quick and a capable 3-point shooter. Gillon is a career 36% 3-point shooter. Last season he averaged 13.2 points per game and 3.8 assists per game. Gillon can drive to the basket and finish well, or he has the passing ability to dump it off to a big. One thing that may hinder Gillon is that 6-foot frame. Howard’s length will be much preferred in Boeheim’s zone defense. While Gillon does possess one trait over Howard. The transfer is a knock down free throw shooter. Last season, Gillon shot 88% from the free throw line.

In the battle between Howard and Gillon, I expect to see Howard start due to his experience in the zone. Both point guards should thrive in getting the Orange out in transition and finding the scorers around them.

Tyus Battle: Boeheim’s most coveted recruit in the class of 2016. The New Jersey native picked up a scholarship offer from Syracuse in just his freshman year. In somewhat of a surprise, he committed to Michigan. Later, he decommitted from Michigan and pledged to the Orange.  Battle is a lengthy combo guard that can handle the ball and score. He could see some minutes running the point, but I primarily expect him to be at shooting guard. Battle’s shot is a bit of a question mark, but his athletic ability is off the charts. He is a plus defender due to his quickness and hands. Battle will be a problem for opposing teams due to his 6-foot-5 frame at the top of the zone.

Andrew White: One of the most sought after transfers in college basketball this season. Last year at Nebraska, White averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds per game. He was a focal point in Nebraska’s offense last season. However, White figures to take a bit of a step back this season due to Tyler Lydon and some other options in the Syracuse offense. White was a huge get for Boeheim and the Orange because of his 3-point abilities. A 41% 3-point shooter last season, White will replace some of the lost 3-point shooting that Michael Gbinije, Trevor Cooney, and Malachi Richardson offered. White will also see a good amount of minutes at small forward.

I think that Tyus will see a majority of minutes at shooting guard, while White will be the starter at small forward. Both Andrew White and John Gillon will spare Battle from time to time at shooting guard.