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Syracuse Basketball: Don’t forget about Bourama Sidibe in 2018-19

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange talks with Bourama Sidibe #35 during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange talks with Bourama Sidibe #35 during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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There’s a lot of talk going on about the 2018-19 season for the Syracuse basketball squad. ITLH breaks down why you can’t forget about Bourama Sidibe.

The Syracuse basketball offseason roller coaster is almost crazier than the regular season. There’s a lot going on: Oshae Brissett is coming back, Tyus Battle could be headed to the NBA, and Darius Bazley says screw it I’m going to the G-League.

Plus throw in a handful of transfers and who knows what the team will look like come Fall. But before we get too deep into the process here, don’t forget about Bourama Sidibe.

It’s easy too because of the injury plagued campaign last year, but let me refresh your memory.

Depending on the recruiting outlet you use, Sidibe entered Syracuse as a three or four star recruit out of Newark, New Jersey. Originally Sidibe is from Mali (the eighth largest country in Africa).

Nationally he was ranked the 190th best recruit, 48th best power forward, and fourth overall recruit in the state of New Jersey per 247 Sports. He was an absolute stud in high school playing for St. Benedict’s Prep leading the team to a 35-2 record in his junior season, that’s where he gained a lot of national notoriety.

He has ideal size for the 2-3 zone at 6-foot-10 and 210 pounds (a little light). Last season at Syracuse, you saw glimpses of what could be. Sadly his season was derailed with ankle and knee injuries, but give him credit for playing through it.

Some of those glimpses I’m referencing include:

  • 18 points, three blocks, and 16 rebounds. Did he drink holy water? Perhaps Mr. Miyagi made a guest appearance with his cupping technique to get Sidibe ready for the martial arts tournament. Speaking of, call this what you will, but Daniel LaRusso aka The Karate Kid moved from Newark, New Jersey to  Reseda, Los Angeles, California in the movie. Sidibe is from Newark, New Jersey.

via GIPHY

I’m not saying, but I’m just saying.

But back to the point, am I saying that Sidibe can do what he did at Pittsburgh every night? Probably not. But he’s an offensive weapon, look at the Pitt highlights. The skills are there. Although he won’t be able to box everyone out because of the lack of weight.

He can be creative around the rim, contribute on the occasional alley-oop, and eat boards with proper positioning. The lack of depth at forward next season is concerning. No Bazley, no Matthew Moyer, no Bryce Golden either.

SU right now has Sidibe, Marek Dolezaj, and Oshae Brissett. And that’s about it. This is why I argued earlier this offseason that Brissett coming back was a bigger deal than whatever Tyus Battle’s decision ends up being. SU has an embarrassment of riches (on paper) at the guard position.

Next: Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History

Another possibility I’ve heard is Elijah Hughes. He’s ‘listed’ as a shooting guard, but I could easily see him playing the three for Syracuse with his length and wingspan (6-foot-5, 205 pounds). But long story short, a healthy Sidibe is going to be a difference maker for Syracuse this year if healthy. When fans are thinking of next season, you shouldn’t discount his impact on the roster.

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