It has been a busy off-season for Syracuse basketball and it may still get busier as the Orange look to add to the class of 2016. However, it is very likely that all five players who will start for the Orange next season are already on the roster. Things can change a lot between now and November but it’s time to take a way too early look at the 2016-17 Syracuse starting five.
PG- Tyus Battle 
Battle is the top recruit coming in for the Orange. He is a four-star recruit who can play either point guard or the two. On Monday, he wowed Orange Nation with a video of him draining a one-handed shot from three-quarters court. The biggest thing that he brings is his size. Like Gbinije, Battle is long, standing at 6-6. However, unlike Gbinije, he is naturally a guard and may just be ready to start the season at point guard.
SG- Malachi Richardson 
This prediction of course hinges on Richardson returning for his sophomore season. However, let’s assume he does come back. Richardson showed that he has the ability to put the offense on his back, like he did against Virginia in the NCAA tournament. He is the most talented player on the team and can flourish at the two.
SF- Tyler Lydon 
Lydon, like Richardson, showed tremendous potential through parts of the season. He just needs to find more consistency. He is a great shooter and has potential on defense but he will improve when he is played in a more natural position. Lydon often struggled when he was forced to play center, and with the addition of Pascal Chukwu, Lydon should be able to play forward.
PF- Tyler Roberson 
Hands-down, Roberson is the best rebounder on the team. He is freak athlete, and despite what Jim Boeheim may say, he needs him. The 2-3 zone leaves the Orange vulnerable on the boards and Roberson can take over games in that regard, like he did against Duke this season. There is no reason to think he wil be pushed out of the starting five.
C- DaJuan Coleman 
The five might be the most difficult position to predict. Coleman was inconsistent throughout most of the season. Next season, unlike this past season, Coleman will have legitimate competition for his starting role. 7-2 Pascal Chukwu will be eligible to play and may put pressure on Coleman. However, I expect Boeheim to roll with the player that he is most comfortable with, at least to start the season.
3 responses to “Way Too Early Prediction: Syracuse’s Starting Five For Next Season”
Coleman was a bit of a surprise this past season. He showed some ability under the basket and like more than a few on the roster will benefit this off-season working hard on their S&CWhether he starts is an entirely different matter. I would hope that Chukwu starts and either Coleman or a player yet to be added the roster comes in for Chukwu.Don’t forget Howard who should be able to jack his game by this coming October Midnight Madness isgoing to be crowded in the Dome this next time. “Its going to be huge.” (Think this in Trump’s voice)
This is the season/reason JB got 3 more years as HC a year ago. A blind man could coach this group to 25 wins.
At this point I don’t know Battle’s game. TODAY I would start Howard and Richardson at guard. We need the passing and handle of Howard to break down the other team’s half court defense. Recently CUSE has been a horrible passing team and has relied on 1 on 1 matchups and 3 pt shooting to generate points. Howard at the point should cure the nights where CUSE gets stuck in the low to mid 60s on the scoreboard.
START CHUKWU!!!!!!
JB will no doubt stick with his 2-3 zone. Last year teams were able to beat CUSE up inside as there was little to know defensive presence. If Paschal has a little jump hook or any kind of post move, that’s gravy from a guy who should be(after 2 years) a shot blocking/rebounding force at 7’2″. Add Roberson and Lydon and you have a pair of forwards who can generate a double/double every game.
Then you can bring in Coleman and Battle and Moyer , mix these guys in whenever needed….please, just give us a 1 seed now and be done with it.
Battle at point with Howard would help a great deal especially if Richardson goes for the $ which is probably likely.Two players that are critical next season require a major body upgrade in muscle mass. The two are Lydon and Chukwu If Malachi wants to go pro after next season he too needs to build himself up.Dc can stand to lose a few lbs but get stronger in the process which is entirely possible.