Syracuse Basketball: Roster, this off-season, may change like never before

By the time that I finish typing this sentence, another Syracuse basketball player may have entered his name into the NCAA’s transfer portal.

That’s how fast things are developing in this off-season for the Orange, which began only a few days ago after the ‘Cuse fell to now-Final Four participant Houston in the Sweet 16 on Saturday evening.

I don’t know about you all, but my head is spinning regarding the transfer portal. And the 2021 Big Dance is still going on, which is really crazy when you think about it.

With the NCAA expected to pass a measure in the near future that would allow college athletes in all sports, including basketball, to transfer once with immediate eligibility, that is changing the landscape for the Orange and its peers around the country.

Add in the fact that NCAA officials are letting every collegiate hoops player have an extra season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and these next few months are going to be absolutely nuts, as I opined in a column on Monday.

Head coach Jim Boeheim has said that he anticipates several ‘Cuse players will transfer out of the program prior to the next term, and he’s sure right about that.

Already – and this could have even changed between the time I wrote this article, and the time that it published – three guys have reportedly entered into the NCAA’s transfer portal, and another player is testing the NBA Draft waters. Holy smokes.

The Syracuse basketball line-up will likely prove all kinds of different in 2021-22.

According to a variety of reports, freshman combo guard Kadary Richmond, redshirt sophomore forward Robert Braswell and redshirt freshman center John Bol Ajak have entered their names into the transfer portal.

Plus, sophomore forward Quincy Guerrier will reportedly go through the NBA Draft process. This is a smart move by Guerrier, because it allows him to both receive feedback on his possible draft stock, while also being able to return to the Hill.

Additionally, it’s important to note here that players who enter their names into the transfer portal do have the option of coming back to the ‘Cuse, although I don’t see that happening for Richmond, Braswell or Ajak at this juncture.

https://twitter.com/TommySladek/status/1376926150904184835

This much we do know about the Syracuse basketball roster for the 2021-22 stanza. Junior shooting guard Buddy Boeheim has said that he will be here. And 2021 five-star commit Benny Williams will arrive on campus.

That’s about it, however, with Richmond in the transfer portal, my gut tells me that sophomore point guard Joe Girard III will remain in a ‘Cuse uniform.

As it pertains to the rest of the current roster, we’ll just have to wait and see. Some players will ultimately stay, and a few more could bolt Central New York. Undeniably, though, this is a frenetic period for the Orange and its counterparts nationwide.