Going into the season, I thought Syracuse had a fantastic shot at winning the National Title. As a #3 seed, the Orange still are in a nice position to make a post-season run; however, unfortunately for Scoop, Kris, et al., they have to make it through a very difficult East Region. Will they actually put it all together to come out of the East? The team has a nice list of alumni with NBA experience who are pulling for the Orange to succeed.
- Carmelo Anthony – Leon Rose (Creative Artists Agency)
- Donte Greene – Bill Strickland (Lagardere Unlimited)
- Etan Thomas – Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
- Hakim Warrick – Bill Duffy (BDA Sports)
- Jonny Flynn – Leon Rose (Creative Artists Agency)
- Andy Rautins – Bill Duffy (BDA Sports)
- Wesley Johnson – Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
- Jason Hart – Bill Neff (Saga Sports)
If you want to go real old school, we can talk about two of my favorite Syracuse Orangemen (that’s what they were called before it became politically incorrect), Rony Seikaly and Danny Schayes (I will also throw current FIU basketball broadcaster Jared Schwartz in the fold). But let’s stick to the game plan and focus on this year’s Syracuse players who may have a shot at the NBA in 2011.
I was very high on Kris Joseph at the beginning of the season, and still think he has great pro potential, but his draft stock might have gone from sure 1st rounder to middle of the road or high 2nd rounder. He is only a Junior, so he could opt to come back, which he may end up doing should Syracuse perform poorly in the Tournament. Rick Jackson does not have that option. The 6’9 Senior will likely be a mid-to-late 2nd rounder. Looks like it will likely be a fight between Tellem, Rose, and Duffy. The three are used to competing with one another.
