If the Syracuse basketball squad loses Tyus Battle to the NBA, not all hope is lost. ITLH breaks down the Syracuse backup plan and its’ viability.
The last big domino to fall for the Syracuse basketball team before next season is Tyus Battle. Regardless of his choice, the Orange have been blessed to have him for two years already.
In this day and age of college basketball, most stars are one and done, with dreams of the NBA. Battle is a different kind of cat and from people that I’ve talked too it seems like his draft stock is almost irrelevant to his choice.
It seems like the choice is more so about whether or not Battle thinks he’s ready to move on from the college life and play professional basketball. Either way this will be decided worst case scenario in the next two weeks and change.
The NBA Combine (which Battle has already been invited too) runs from May 16th through the 20th. According to the NBA rules, prospects then have 10 days following the combine (May 30th by midnight) to decide whether they want to keep their name in the draft pool or return to college.
With just a few days left before the combine, it’s time for Orange fans to embrace the possibility that Battle isn’t returning next season. The same goes for the coaching staff.
So what is the backup plan if Battle doesn’t return?
SU’s offense could go down one of two paths next year. If Tyus returns he is going to be the focal point. He’d be a junior, a nearly fully developed player who would immediately make Syracuse a top-25 preseason squad.
While on the other side, if he decides to leave, things will drastically change for the Orange. Fortunately the Cuse have an embarrassment of riches at the guard position:
- Buddy Boeheim
- The son of legendary basketball coach Jim Boeheim is more than just a name. He’s a legitimate outside threat who can add some real offensive punch off the bench for the Orange. He’s got great size (6-foot-5, 170 pounds) out of Brewster Academy. Depending on how things shake out, he’s a red shirt possibility.
- Jalen Carey
- It’s looking more and more like Jalen Carey will be the primary reserve at point guard. He’s naturally a shooting guard but because of injuries in high school, he shifted over to the point. Carey is a scorer (but has a weird hitch in his giddy-up he’ll need to get over). His best feature is how he attacks the rim, that will be a welcomed addition to the 2018-19 hoops squad.
- Elijah Hughes
- While he’s listed at guard, he could very will shift to forward as a three (winger). The only awkward thing about this addition is that Matthew Moyer was a good friend of his and helped him land with the Orange. He averaged less than eight points per game in his freshman season which isn’t great, but SU is betting on his potential as opposed to his production.
- Howard Washington
- Minimal playing time and a season cut short by a serious injury will lead many to forget about what Howard Washington can provide this team next season. He won’t be a starter (and he probably never will be one), but as an insurance policy, a developmental prospect, and depth are all important reasons to like him next season.
- Frank Howard
- The senior leader for this Syracuse squad. Howard is a polarizing player, people love him or hate him. He always gets all the blame and rarely gets any of the credit. Frank Howard made a quantum leap last season and I expect those good vibes to continue into next season.
Next: Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History
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