The loss of freshman combo guard Kadary Richmond to the NCAA’s transfer portal certainly stings for Syracuse basketball and its fan base, but the addition of point guard Symir Torrence will help provide some depth in the Orange backcourt, according to analysts.
It’s tough to completely replace Richmond, whose defensive prowess, court vision and ability to drive to the basket are top-notch, despite him only being a freshman.
However, Torrence does bring a lot to the table for the ‘Cuse, and one of the most important things is chemistry, which I’ll discuss shortly.
The Central New York native first played for Syracuse Academy of Science before competing in prep school for the Vermont Academy, which is located in Saxtons River, Vt.
Don’t tell me dreams don’t come true ! #ImWhereIbelong pic.twitter.com/4DAKAydjFv
— Symir Torrence (@Syboogie10) March 31, 2021
Prior to his collegiate career commencing, Torrence did hold a scholarship offer from the Orange, along with numerous other high-major squads. But he committed to former Big East Conference foe Marquette, while also reclassifying from the 2020 class to the 2019 recruiting cycle.
A four-star, top-100 player coming out of prep school, the 6-foot-3 Torrence didn’t get a ton of minutes in his first two stanzas with the Golden Eagles.
Syracuse basketball has landed a solid guard in CNY native Symir Torrence.
Because the NCAA is allowing all college basketball players to have an extra term of competition due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Torrence should have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Additionally, since NCAA officials are soon expected to pass a measure that would allow student-athletes in all sports to transfer once with immediate eligibility, Torrence should be able to suit up immediately in official games for the ‘Cuse.
On the AAU circuit, Torrence has played for the Albany City Rocks with guys such as Orange junior shooting guard Buddy Boeheim and sophomore point guard Joe Girard III. These three know each other well, and that could be an advantage for the Syracuse basketball backcourt heading into the next campaign.
Like I said earlier, we Orange fans out there probably shouldn’t expect Torrence to outright replace Richmond, whose skill-set is really versatile.
But Torrence gives the ‘Cuse a nice third option at the guard position. I’ve read some analyst comments that speak to Torrence being a point guard first who can also switch over to shooting guard.
Marquette transfer Symir Torrence tells @Stockrisers he will be returning home where he will play for Syracuse and Jim Boeheim.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) March 31, 2021
Torrence to @Stockrisers: “I’ve always dreamed of playing at Cuse since I was a kid. I want to play in front of the people I love and that’s the city.”
Besides his on-court chemistry with Boeheim and Girard, Torrence is also a hometown product who has said that he is excited to play in front of Syracuse-area fans. That kind of enthusiasm is a terrific attribute to possess, and Torrence should fit in well with the Orange.