The most recent ‘one and done’ for Syracuse is Tyler Ennis, but freshman forward Chris McCullough might be right behind him.
Although Ennis has spent time in the NBA D-League for Phoenix, the 18th overall pick in June’s draft will get the chance to make an impact when the time is right.
McCullough is already hitting Chad Ford’s NBA Draft board as a lottery pick. Why not? Through the first seven games, he has reached double digits in points, and double digits in rebounds in three of the seven games. All of this effort is as a freshman.
Ford’s big board lists McCullough as the 11th overall prospect. There is still more he can do to improve his positioning and help Syracuse win.
He needs to get big. He has a ton of potential now and he has been compared to a taller C.J. Fair, but McCullough lacks the mass and the physical toughness that, say, Rakeem Christmas demonstrates. McCullough is more of a mid-range shooter who can drive to the basket. If he can put more weight on, he can be more of a threat down low and on defense.
The season is still young. Most of the NBA talent will come from major conference teams, like the ACC. Once ACC play starts, there will be a more accurate reading of what he can do and how he matches up against the competition. It will be fun to see how he compares to someone like Amile Jefferson or Jahlil Okafor for Duke, and Montrezl Harrell for Louisville. Harrell has the mass, but is a few inches shorter than McCullough. These are some big tests for him, but they will come when the games mean more.
If, in fact, he does go to the NBA after this year, how effective will he be? It would depend on the team. Ennis isn’t getting much playing time for the Suns because Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic are ahead of him. If McCullough goes to a team in immediate need for someone at his position, he will get the early exposure. He would benefit from a team that can help him develop into a bigger, more physical player.
ACC play begins Jan. 3 against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. That is when McCullough’s real future test begins.
Posted: Austin Pollack
3 responses to “McCullough Could Be Latest ‘One-and-done’ for Orange”
NCAA is a boys league compared with the NBA. VERY few “one-n-done” players make it in the NBA. Young Mr. McCullough needs to talk with several Orange players who have tried to get into the NBA. ( Makes no difference if they were one-n-done, or 4 year veterans). It is unfortunate agents put dreams of heavy cash and success into a young mans head without sharing reality with them. This young man NEEDs his college education as well as years of college experience and growth behind him before jumping. The cash will come later. Patience is definitely a virtue in this sport. I would advice Mr. McCullough to put at least 2 years into college before even thinking of the pro’s…. Have a nice day.
You and Chad Ford and the other senseless ignorant and desperate to write articles media should b ashamed for ruining college BB. Enis is in the D league like dante greene and johnny flynn were. How did their careers end up. Think about the kids future not your media reviews.
Ennis isn’t getting much PT because…Mr Playing under control can’t get across halfcourt without burning through 1/3 of the 24 second clock.