Syracuse Basketball: Player Grades for the 2016-2017 Season

Nov 15, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; The Syracuse Orange lettering at mid-court prior to a game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; The Syracuse Orange lettering at mid-court prior to a game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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PF/C Tyler Lydon

Syracuse
Syracuse Orange Forward Tyler Lydon. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Grade: A

Last year, I would have given Tyler Lydon an A+ for how he played as a freshman. He was outstanding and saved Syracuse in the tournament multiple times in close games. His ability to hit from three as a big man was huge in spreading the floor.

This year he struggled scoring for whatever reason, but his defensive prowess and ability to get

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good shots remained. He still got open quite a lot, and still got a lot of rebounds and double-doubles. However, he just missed a lot more shots. Maybe we just had too high of expectations for him this year, or maybe he just had an off year. Those things happen, but that didn’t change the fact he was still the star on SU this year.

A consistent threat the other team always had to watch for, the drop-off wasn’t huge. In my mind, he only went down an A+ performance last year to to an A this year. Next year, I think he will bounce back and have a breakout season in the NBA, and play much better than he did last year at Syracuse. Inside the Loud House’s Paul Esden Jr. reported this afternoon that he declared for the NBA Draft, hiring an agent.

Personally, I think he should have been here one more year to build his draft stock, but that’s just me. I think he did what was best for him, as should all Syracuse fans. The dream of an NBA career when its right there is a hard thing to pass up. I think he’ll have a great year next year wherever he ends up. Best of luck in the NBA Lydon! Make us proud!