Syracuse Basketball: Top 50 Players in School History (35-31)

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SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 26: A Syracuse Orange fan reacts to a play during the second half against the LSU Tigers on September 26, 2015 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. LSU defeats Syracuse 34-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

#32: Vinnie Cohen

Forward: 1954-1957

Vinnie Cohen was a star forward for Syracuse in the 1950’s. As a sophomore, he averaged 15.8 points per game on a squad that went 10-11, according to Nunesmagician.com. He would improve those numbers as a junior to 18.2 points per game, and as a result, the team went 14-11. As most players do, they saved their best statistical performances for their senior year.

Cohen scored 24.2 points per game his senior year, according to Orangehoops.org, and led the Orange to the Elite Eight before losing to a taller and more talented North Carolina squad. He would be named an All-American that year and was drafted 23rd in the 1957 NBA Draft, by the Syracuse Nationals, according to CollegeHoopedia.com.

He would opt not to play pro basketball though and pursue a career as a lawyer. He would return to Syracuse and graduate with a law degree in 1960. He currently stands at 36th on the Syracuse All-Time Scoring list. Cohen will be remembered for his ability to score as well how he starred for the Orange before Boeheim ever came on the scene.

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