Are We Seeing The (Steady) Decline Of Syracuse Basketball?
By Neil Adler
This begs the question: what, precisely, has happened since the meltdown toward the conclusion of the 2014 regular season? And how worried should we feel moving forward?
Well, one point to consider, is that we are spoiled. Most programs would kill for what Syracuse has done dating back to 2009. Our recent success has potentially set the bar too high, and we’ve hit a ceiling, and our now coming back down to Earth.
SU has seen a slew of studs declare early for the NBA Draft. Some expectedly, some without question unexpectedly. This has disrupted our continuity, and thrust guys (hi, Kaleb Joseph) into roles for which they weren’t prepared, and to no fault of their own.
Take a peek at this list: Wes Johnson, Dion Waiters, Fab Melo (whatever), Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis, Jerami Grant, Chris McCullough and Malachi Richardson. Those are some big-time talents.
Also, a handful of guys have transferred, including Da’Shonte Riley, B.J. Johnson, Ron Patterson, Joseph and Chinonso Obokoh. I’m not saying these dudes would have propelled Boeheim & Co. to a second national championship, but they would have provided some depth.