With Dakota Leffew deciding to transfer to the Georgia Bulldogs instead of the Syracuse Orange, it means Syracuse still has three open scholarships for next season.
We haven’t really heard much from Adrian Autry and the Syracuse staff in regards to other players who remain available, but with the May 1st deadline for players to enter the portal approaching, should Orange fans be concerned?
The addition of Hofstra point guard Jaquan Carlos addressed the biggest hole on the roster, but the Orange shouldn’t be content with how things stand. Let’s look at the scholarship players at each of the position groups:
Guard: Starling, Cuffe, Westry, Moore, Carlos
Forward: Bell, Freeman, Davis
Center: Lampkin, McLeod
A healthy Chance Westry is capable of sliding into a small forward spot, but as we saw this past season, it doesn’t take much to turn a stable situation into a problem. So, what should the Orange be looking for as the final players file into the portal?
To me, another shooter would be useful. The three transfer additions don’t project as outside shooting threats, which means Syracuse would be in a spot where they don’t have strong spacing on offense. Donnie Freeman and Elijah Moore will enter college with strong reputations in that area, but they are also unproven at this level.
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The other area which screams out is the center position. Maybe the Orange have a duo ready to man the middle, but foul trouble and/or injury could leave them once again relying on a power forward trying to contain bigger post players. Everyone shudders at the thought of a “project big”, but Syracuse can offer an opportunity for a player to get comfortable in 24-25 and be ready to take over in 25-26 when Lampkin and McLeod are gone.
Many Syracuse fans would love a return of Kadary Richmond, which seems unlikely, but hey if Duce Chestnut can do it right? Personally I think the dream scenario would be adding the Miami duo of Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier, but I’m aware that’s not realistic at this point. Overall, I think Syracuse would be wise to try and use two of the open scholarships as we head into summer workouts.
What do you think the Orange should do?
