Class of 2023 C Luke Wilson (GA) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (4/21/26)

[MikeSU02]

I'll weigh in.

I like the defensive potential of the three perimeter players that I envision will start.

I like that Tobiason and Doty are prove, versatile scorers that we can build an offense around.

I like that we have three centers that all seem capable.

I like that Wilson and Goodrick have good low post scoring capabilities.

I like that we got White back, because I think he was the returnee with the best skill set to fit what GMAC indicates he wants to do.

I like that we have decent depth, with nine guys in the fold so far who can play.

I liked it. We dipped into the international market, and reeled in two players who are NBA prospects.

As for the rest, we won't know until we see them on the court, how the shooting will be, whether they have complimentary skill sets or just a bunch of mismatched parts, whether McNamara is a plus coach compared to Red, etc.

My POV is we’re still in a tough spot.

We cannot start Dual, Aiden, Doty, Sadiq and Luke. That absolutely cannot be the starting lineup in the year of our lord, 2026. Swap in MMM for Doty if he is what Givony is saying and we’re looking better. But Wilson will still have to go 30mpg with who we have.

Depending on Goodrick and Siby isn’t viable.

if we land Folefac, do people really think THREE MAAC guys and one MAAC recruit (the pg) are all going to break our way and make a 20+ conference ranking jump to be in the rotation? Of course not. Doty is likely the only guy that can crack it on a good ACC team. I don't mind grabbing MM guys (even though MAAC is really a low major), but just because certain MM guys made the leap doesn't mean you can apply it to everyone.

We also need to upgrade at lead guard. I know no one wants to keep hearing this, but almost all offenses start with high pick and roll before going into what they run. You cannot have someone that can’t put fear into the defense in that action and expect to do well. Literally, we just went through a year of it this year and last.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

My POV is we’re still in a tough spot.

We cannot start Dual, Aiden, Doty, Sadiq and Luke. That absolutely cannot be the starting lineup in the year of our lord, 2026. Swap in MMM for Doty if he is what Givony is saying and we’re looking better. But Wilson will still have to go 30mpg with who we have.

Depending on Goodrick and Siby isn’t viable.

if we land Folefac, do people really think THREE MAAC guys and one MAAC recruit (the pg) are all going to break our way and make a 20+ conference ranking jump to be in the rotation? Of course not. Doty is likely the only guy that can crack it on a good ACC team. I don't mind grabbing MM guys (even though MAAC is really a low major), but just because certain MM guys made the leap doesn't mean you can apply it to everyone.

We also need to upgrade at lead guard. I know no one wants to keep hearing this, but almost all offenses start with high pick and roll before going into what they run. You cannot have someone that can’t put fear into the defense in that action and expect to do well. Literally, we just went through a year of it this year and last.

In my head I've been working on a post about confidence in getting 40 productive minutes from 1-5.

I don't think we have that currently.

 

[Ernj]

He is talking about the 2010 team. In 2003, we had a 7 footer as our starting center

He was referring, I think, to the 2009-2010 team led by Wes Johnson, Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku. That had junior year Rick Jackson. Both Jackson and Onuaku were relatively short centers, but were big and strong and skilled.

But the engine for that team was elite wing play, with Johnson, Rautins and Kris Joseph leading the team in scoring. The insanely good defense had a lot to do with it as well. It was probably the most dominant zone of JB's career. The team was top10 in steals and blocks, 25th in defensive 2pt% and 27th in 3pt% Opponents literally couldn't go anywhere on the court with the ball without something bad happening to them.

Brandon Triche and Scoop Jardine rounded out the rotation. Mookie Jones, Dash Riley and James Southerland were deep depth minutes, but they all had DNP for more than half the games.

It was the epitome of a top heavy JB roster, and a very serious contender for the title until Arinze went down with a knee injury.

Back to the topic of Luke Wilson, if he can be as good as either Rick Jackson or Arinze were that year, that would be wonderful.

He is talking about the 2010 team. In 2003, we had a 7 footer as our starting center

That's true. I should read more closely. My point still stands, that Niastri pointed out. You can win with small ball if you have a team full of great players. It is the outlier.

 

[qdawgg]

You’re an adult insulting people on a message board but I’m the dumb one. One day you’ll have to grow up man, I suggest it, it’s pretty fun when you can show an ounce of maturity.

I feel like there’s a kettle and pot joke in there somewhere. Just trying to figure it out…..

 

[orangepassion]

You’re an adult insulting people on a message board but I’m the dumb one. One day you’ll have to grow up man, I suggest it, it’s pretty fun when you can show an ounce of maturity.

This remark is quite ironic, considering your original comment to BrianCuse. To quote CTO, disagree w/o being disagreeable.

 

[Orangezoo]

My POV is we’re still in a tough spot.

We cannot start Dual, Aiden, Doty, Sadiq and Luke. That absolutely cannot be the starting lineup in the year of our lord, 2026. Swap in MMM for Doty if he is what Givony is saying and we’re looking better. But Wilson will still have to go 30mpg with who we have.

Depending on Goodrick and Siby isn’t viable.

if we land Folefac, do people really think THREE MAAC guys and one MAAC recruit (the pg) are all going to break our way and make a 20+ conference ranking jump to be in the rotation? Of course not. Doty is likely the only guy that can crack it on a good ACC team. I don't mind grabbing MM guys (even though MAAC is really a low major), but just because certain MM guys made the leap doesn't mean you can apply it to everyone.

We also need to upgrade at lead guard. I know no one wants to keep hearing this, but almost all offenses start with high pick and roll before going into what they run. You cannot have someone that can’t put fear into the defense in that action and expect to do well. Literally, we just went through a year of it this year and last.

Agree for the most part if we are looking at things right now without a summer to evaluate and see any improvements. Siby at a minimum might be more serviceable as a defensive backup if he makes a jump but still a what if. Goodrick has 9 D1 games - so we know nothing.

Doty is a 6th man if he isn’t going to be 35 pct or better from 3. Not saying that can’t develop but that’s my measurement with him.

Where I’m going to counter is Folefac. He is a decent athlet, high IQ and that bully ball forward type and only a freshman. I don’t care it was the MAAC - he performed in multiple big moments against good teams and in the conference tournament in big moments. He can be useful behind Sadiq and he’s someone at the 4 who you can post against a slimmer 4 man to force the defense to counter because he is a good passer out of the post.

The big challenge will be lead guard and how we attack that. If we do upgrade and attack it with the money we still have ( considering we were on Wilkins and Freeman with money to land both I doubt Wilson changes that) can balance this all out a lot more. I think that status quo plus Folefac and a full summer of work can make a big difference with a talented and much bigger staff. Taking the uncertainty out though would certainly make a lot of us feel better that’s for sure.

We all should remember we’ve been dealing with a staff that has not progressed a single player over a summer off season so far. Almost every other winning program that’s pulling in kids from smaller schools that has spent the money to build a talented and deep staff is leaning on growth and improvement and generating results. It’s a must have not a nice to have in this environment. So while we always need better at every position we will never be where we want to get without a staff that evaluates better than a fan base and improves and progresses players along.

 

[sufan59]

Agree for the most part if we are looking at things right now without a summer to evaluate and see any improvements. Siby at a minimum might be more serviceable as a defensive backup if he makes a jump but still a what if. Goodrick has 9 D1 games - so we know nothing.

Doty is a 6th man if he isn’t going to be 35 pct or better from 3. Not saying that can’t develop but that’s my measurement with him.

Where I’m going to counter is Folefac. He is a decent athlet, high IQ and that bully ball forward type and only a freshman. I don’t care it was the MAAC - he performed in multiple big moments against good teams and in the conference tournament in big moments. He can be useful behind Sadiq and he’s someone at the 4 who you can post against a slimmer 4 man to force the defense to counter because he is a good passer out of the post.

The big challenge will be lead guard and how we attack that. If we do upgrade and attack it with the money we still have ( considering we were on Wilkins and Freeman with money to land both I doubt Wilson changes that) can balance this all out a lot more. I think that status quo plus Folefac and a full summer of work can make a big difference with a talented and much bigger staff. Taking the uncertainty out though would certainly make a lot of us feel better that’s for sure.

I hope they add another guard, but Dual is going to start. I say this in a very serious manner, he may develop to be the best guard we've had wearing a Syracuse uniform since Michael Gbinije and I am a big fan of Kadary Richmond.

 

[jordoo]

Im just

Agree for the most part if we are looking at things right now without a summer to evaluate and see any improvements. Siby at a minimum might be more serviceable as a defensive backup if he makes a jump but still a what if. Goodrick has 9 D1 games - so we know nothing.

Doty is a 6th man if he isn’t going to be 35 pct or better from 3. Not saying that can’t develop but that’s my measurement with him.

Where I’m going to counter is Folefac. He is a decent athlet, high IQ and that bully ball forward type and only a freshman. I don’t care it was the MAAC - he performed in multiple big moments against good teams and in the conference tournament in big moments. He can be useful behind Sadiq and he’s someone at the 4 who you can post against a slimmer 4 man to force the defense to counter because he is a good passer out of the post.

The big challenge will be lead guard and how we attack that. If we do upgrade and attack it with the money we still have ( considering we were on Wilkins and Freeman with money to land both I doubt Wilson changes that) can balance this all out a lot more. I think that status quo plus Folefac and a full summer of work can make a big difference with a talented and much bigger staff. Taking the uncertainty out though would certainly make a lot of us feel better that’s for sure.

I hope Gerry is still trying to get the best PF and PG that are availible and fit his system.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I hope they add another guard, but Dual is going to start. I say this in a very serious manner, he may develop to be the best guard we've had since Michael Gbinije.

I’ve done a lot of research and game watching on Dual. I feel like once people see him play they’ll love him. Just a lot of stat watching right now.

 

[Cusefan69]

It's a message board.

Yeah and it needs to happen in every thread? This is the recruiting board. Maybe consolidate all this into one thread? Ya know instead of everywhere.

 

[orangepassion]

I hope they add another guard, but Dual is going to start. I say this in a very serious manner, he may develop to be the best guard we've had wearing a Syracuse uniform since Michael Gbinije and I am a big fan of Kadary Richmond.

I don't see that, but hope you're right.

 

[Orangezoo]

I hope they add another guard, but Dual is going to start. I say this in a very serious manner, he may develop to be the best guard we've had since Michael Gbinije.

To do that he must be able to do two things effectively. First he must be able to use a ball screen that a defense goes under and doesn’t hedge and either take his man to the rim and create for himself, get fouled or dish for a bucket or second he must be able to use a dribble to get himself open, set his feet and bury the three.

His defense is elite and he doesn’t turn it over and is also a good passer. He has to have the threat of taking his man or burying that open jump shot and doing so quickly.

 

[granthath9]

If we're comparing senior year Andy Rautins that eventually had a cup of coffee in the NBA, to the unknown of how Doty will translate, in that context, Doty isn't impressive.

The narrative around Doty has gotten weird. Before, the thought was the incoming Siena guys were rotation guys but definitely bench, and maybe deep bench/just outside the rotation. Now there's chatter about how Doty is a key piece/focus of the team and a sure starter.

I don't think that's a realistic expectation/if it plays out that way we're in trouble. Has anything happened that makes us believe Doty the player has changed that much that it justifies the change in expectation? Like, he somehow got that much better after the game against Duke?

I think Doty is considered a key piece going into the year because of how much he improved in two years at Siena. He got better throughout his freshman year and took a big leap this year. Hes a very hard worker. Hes honestly a player we should have no real worries about outside of his 3P shooting.

 

[orangepassion]

Yeah and it needs to happen in every thread? This is the recruiting board. Maybe consolidate all this into one thread? Ya know instead of everywhere.

This is what is on SU fans' (who post here) mind. If this is what some fans are feeling, I'm happy to hear their opinion, just like I'm happy to hear those who think we'll be great. I personally am somewhere in the middle.

 

[Orangezoo]

I’ve done a lot of research and game watching on Dual. I feel like once people see him play they’ll love him. Just a lot of stat watching right now.

I am mostly with you just want to see him properly handle and make a quick decisive play out of the ball screen that isn’t only a pass.

 

[granthath9]

I am mostly with you just want to see him properly handle and make a quick decisive play out of the ball screen that isn’t only a pass.

Working with Daly and Gerry will improve his passing quite a bit I'd say.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I am mostly with you just want to see him properly handle and make a quick decisive play out of the ball screen that isn’t only a pass.

He struggled at Providence and SH because they tried to shoehorn him into a shooting guard. He's much better with the ball in his hands controlling the pace of the game. He does everything above average except shoot.

 

[sufan59]

He struggled at Providence and SH because they tried to shoehorn him into a shooting guard. He's much better with the ball in his hands controlling the pace of the game. He does everything above average except shoot.

Also was still developing, he has improved each year.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I’ve done a lot of research and game watching on Dual. I feel like once people see him play they’ll love him. Just a lot of stat watching right now.

I'm much more concerned about PG2 than I am Dual as PG1.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I'm much more concerned about PG2 than I am Dual as PG1.

That’s fair, I only commented on Dual because there seems to be a lot of skepticism with him as the lead guard.

 

[Orangezoo]

I'm much more concerned about PG2 than I am Dual as PG1.

Yeah now that’s a different matter… agreed

 

[RF2044]

My POV is we’re still in a tough spot.

We cannot start Dual, Aiden, Doty, Sadiq and Luke. That absolutely cannot be the starting lineup in the year of our lord, 2026. Swap in MMM for Doty if he is what Givony is saying and we’re looking better. But Wilson will still have to go 30mpg with who we have.

Depending on Goodrick and Siby isn’t viable.

if we land Folefac, do people really think THREE MAAC guys and one MAAC recruit (the pg) are all going to break our way and make a 20+ conference ranking jump to be in the rotation? Of course not. Doty is likely the only guy that can crack it on a good ACC team. I don't mind grabbing MM guys (even though MAAC is really a low major), but just because certain MM guys made the leap doesn't mean you can apply it to everyone.

We also need to upgrade at lead guard. I know no one wants to keep hearing this, but almost all offenses start with high pick and roll before going into what they run. You cannot have someone that can’t put fear into the defense in that action and expect to do well. Literally, we just went through a year of it this year and last.

I couldn't agree more about the shooting.

However, some of the raw materials might be in place. Tobiason and Doty need to shoot a little bit better than they have, but they are capable. And 3M is reportedly a shooter. White fared better than I expected last year from outside, but can he take the next step?

Because otherwise, the outside shooting is anemic. But maybe it won't be, if a couple of things fall into place.

Honestly... that's all I've got.

 

[Orangezoo]

Not that there was any question about one of the key perte
Of the sales pitch here…

 

[Orangezoo]

I couldn't agree more about the shooting.

However, some of the raw materials might be in place. Tobiason and Doty need to shoot a little bit better than they have, but they are capable. And 3M is reportedly a shooter. White fared better than I expected last year from outside, but can he take the next step?

Because otherwise, the outside shooting is anemic. But maybe it won't be, if a couple of things fall into place.

Honestly... that's all I've got.

What’s funny is that last year we came into the year seeing a flame thrower like Kingz, adding Betsey , having Donnie who showed he could shoot it then George with promise at 34 pct and we were putrid because we couldn’t execute good offense and get good shots and the guys who should have been hitting weren’t. So maybe with better shots and shot selection we have better outcomes?