Class of 2022 C William Kyle (NE) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (3/27/25)

[pearl31]

Reminds me a bit of Montrezl Harrell

 

[NJCuse97]

Good positioning and strong to the hoop like Conrad McRae, but maybe not the same explosiveness (but that was McRae's calling card).

 

[Niastri]

Sorry, it expired on his Instagram story but I’m not kidding, the 44” reported vertical jump seems way too low based on this video (I’ll see if it’s archived anywhere).

From Google: “The highest verified vertical jump ever recorded is 50.5 inches, achieved by Isaiah Rivera, according to some sources. Another source states that the Guinness World Record for vertical jump is 50 inches.”

Also from Google: “The average standing vertical jump in the NBA is around 28 inches. Some players, like Keon Johnson, have recorded exceptionally high jumps, but these are not representative of the average. While a 40-inch vertical jump is often cited as a benchmark, it's quite rare to see that level of vertical ability in most NBA players.”

In short, if Kyle actually has a vertical of 44 inches or more, he’s exceptional even among the elite athletes in the world. Micheal Jordan was measured at 48, and his entire legacy is based off the nickname related to that amazing leaping ability (along with some winning and a few made baskets).

Keon Johnson has similar leaping ability to Jordan and was one and done in college. Johnson seems to be off to a rocky start to his NBA career so far, but he’s also 6’5 185, so Kyle has the advantage there, even if he doesn’t jump quite so high… No matter how you try to measure it, Kyle is a tremendous athlete, and also has size that makes him a compelling physical specimen as a basketball player.

 

[Niastri]

His playing style and tenacity in the tape reminds me of Mitchell Robinson. In no way equating the talent level compared to a talented pro but you see the ability on the offensive glass, great hands, that elite vertical finishing easily on lobs and the ability to protect the rim.

The other big thing is it appears he actually can set a good screen while then having such elite athleticism to still roll to the hoop quickly. Without doing all that much beyond what he already does, he could excel in that simple action in certain matchups. Hopefully he and George can build some solid chemistry for the pick and roll to be a simple but effective weapon for us this year. To that effect as well seeing if he’s capable of running the short roll too as Maliq did.

If you let Donnie operate inside and out, Kingz in the corners and off the wing, JJ off the wing and off screens then let Kyle run the pick and roll as well as being focused on attacking the offensive glass then you have a solid starting 5 that should be fairly efficient at least analyzing on paper right now.

We will have a tremendous variety of ways we’ll be able to score with our starting lineup. Four players who can hit a three, four players who can dribble penetrate, two guys who might be able to post up, elite passer of the lob, and an elite receiver of the lob pass.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we average more than three George to Kyle dunks per game.

Our bench looks to be really high upside players as well. Would anybody be shocked if Betsey, White, Anthony or Fennell were pushing the starters hard for more minutes by mid season? Even Souare has really excellent physical attributes and low basketball experience, so could improve dramatically with additional playing time.

 

[Scotch]

Reminds me a bit of Montrezl Harrell

Man I would be A-OK with that.

 

[bnoro]

As the portal progresses, the rankings end up changing. This happened last year too. The initial rankings get refined as time goes on. He also tweaks his rankings model. The rankings at the end of the summer are his “final version”

So his site isn't based on analytics then. It's based on suiting his subscribers that pay for his services. Which means it's biased.

 

[CuseSaint26]

So his site isn't based on analytics then. It's based on suiting his subscribers that pay for his services. Which means it's biased.

I’m not going to defend Evan Miya but I think it’s more that he updates the analytical models he’s using, which sometimes yields different results. I actually think it’s the opposite because big name players and/or schools don’t always rank as highly as you’d think. Each player is ranked with same data model. This is just my understanding of it, I have no idea what goes on behind the scenes

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Kyle is definitely an NBA prospect, he needs to put it all together but Syracuse provides a great opportunity for that. Nait George will be able to get him scoring opportunities and defensively, Kyle will likely be asked to guard 1-5. If you watched Georgia Tech last year, take a look at how their center contributed offensively. Kyle brings that and more.

I try not to get too excited off work out videos but his trainer posted a workout video testing his vertical….we are talking NBA+ vertical jump

Lots of guys can jump

 

[CuseSaint26]

Lots of guys can jump

It’s more about having an elite attribute that translates to rim protection, lob threat, etc but sure, lots of guys can jump. I think the difference is not a lot of guys can jump like William Kyle

 

[Niastri]

Lots of guys can jump

Not like Kyle. He’s only a few inches from the highest jumper in NBA history… Kyle also is taller than most players with his leaping ability. Google says the NBA average vertical is 28 inches.

Kyle’s elite jumping ability isn’t a sure fire recipe for on the court success. But all other things being equal, I’d rather have a 6’9 center who can jump 44 inches high than a 7’ center who maxes out at 24 inches off the ground.

At least when it comes to blocking shots and getting rebounds, jumping matters. That kind of fast twitch athleticism also usually translates to running speed and agility. Kyle looked really good on video, both in highlights and in more extended game time.

Time will tell. Nobody is telling you that you have to be excited.

 

[baggerbob]

Not like Kyle. He’s only a few inches from the highest jumper in NBA history… Kyle also is taller than most players with his leaping ability. Google says the NBA average vertical is 28 inches.

Kyle’s elite jumping ability isn’t a sure fire recipe for on the court success. But all other things being equal, I’d rather have a 6’9 center who can jump 44 inches high than a 7’ center who maxes out at 24 inches off the ground.

At least when it comes to blocking shots and getting rebounds, jumping matters. That kind of fast twitch athleticism also usually translates to running speed and agility. Kyle looked really good on video, both in highlights and in more extended game time.

Time will tell. Nobody is telling you that you have to be excited.

When we had bigs who could run the floor like DC, Rony, Billy and others it put pressure on the other teams.
They couldn't play the slow bangers inside because our guys would wear them out .

 

[Niastri]

When we had bigs who could run the floor like DC, Rony, Billy and others it put pressure on the other teams.
They couldn't play the slow bangers inside because our guys would wear them out .

Good point… Speed doesn’t usually matter in basketball as much as it does in other sports. In the other hand, if Kyle is much faster than his defender in the other team, he could be 10 feet ahead of his defender when we charge from defense to offense.

In that instance, Kyle is either going to be completely behind the defense just from being faster, or he’s going to be defended for a few critical moments by a guard.

In that situation, George will find him a lot of the time for easy baskets.

Is all speculation, of course, but the ability to run fast often is paired with the ability to jump so high. I would suspect Kyle is very fast in a straight ahead run.

 

[Sherman20]

Reminds me a bit of Montrezl Harrell

I mentioned that a few weeks ago. It seems like he has that Montrez athleticism.

 

[ar inj]

When we had bigs who could run the floor like DC, Rony, Billy and others it put pressure on the other teams.
They couldn't play the slow bangers inside because our guys would wear them out .

Real question. How do you remember things that happened that long ago given it has been decades since those guys played?

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

I mentioned that a few weeks ago. It seems like he has that Montrez athleticism.

That dude was angry at the rim. I think it stole his girl or something.

 

[althea]

Real question. How do you remember things that happened that long ago given it has been decades since those guys played?

Let’s just say, he enjoys reminiscing about the 80’s.

 

[baggerbob]

Real question. How do you remember things that happened that long ago given it has been decades since those guys played?

I was born in 1946, and will be 79 in July, and fortunately my memory is still pretty good.
That's why I was so happy Steve was around for the beginning of the 3rd great time of Syracuse football.
I just wish most of you could have been around to see the good teams Ben had in the 50's and 60's.

 

[Sbucketball]

Kudos to Red for improving vertical leaping ability by 43 inches at the center position.

 

[ar inj]

I was born in 1946, and will be 79 in July, and fortunately my memory is still pretty good.
That's why I was so happy Steve was around for the beginning of the 3rd great time of Syracuse football.
I just wish most of you could have been around to see the good teams Ben had in the 50's and 60's.

I was just busting, not on you, but on the fact you and I have to remember that far back in order to talk about the good old days. You have me by a few years; I only go back to the early 60's. Stay healthy my friend and enjoy the memories

 

[bevosu]

I was born in 1946, and will be 79 in July, and fortunately my memory is still pretty good.
That's why I was so happy Steve was around for the beginning of the 3rd great time of Syracuse football.
I just wish most of you could have been around to see the good teams Ben had in the 50's and 60's.

Here's a memory (it might be faulty): Tony Red Bruin. I seem to recall that when he was recruited, the talk was that he had a 42" vertical.

 

[baggerbob]

Here's a memory (it might be faulty): Tony Red Bruin. I seem to recall that when he was recruited, the talk was that he had a 42" vertical.

Tony Red Bruin a Skywalker before Stevie.
Vaughn Harper who played with Dave Bing could fly as could Dave Bing.
I'm sure JB could tell some stories about those teams he played on. Including the one his senior year that almost averaged 100 points a game.

 

[djcon57]

Reminds me a bit of Montrezl Harrell

I can see it in the build...Harrell had much better offensive skills, even straight out of high school

Would be great if Kyle could just rebound and defend for this team honestly

 

[orangefog]

Here's a memory (it might be faulty): Tony Red Bruin. I seem to recall that when he was recruited, the talk was that he had a 42" vertical.

Does anyone know how they measure vertical leap? Is it flat footed or can you step in to it?

 

[grepal]

Good point… Speed doesn’t usually matter in basketball as much as it does in other sports. In the other hand, if Kyle is much faster than his defender in the other team, he could be 10 feet ahead of his defender when we charge from defense to offense.

In that instance, Kyle is either going to be completely behind the defense just from being faster, or he’s going to be defended for a few critical moments by a guard.

In that situation, George will find him a lot of the time for easy baskets.

Is all speculation, of course, but the ability to run fast often is paired with the ability to jump so high. I would suspect Kyle is very fast in a straight ahead run.

One thing we have to see consistently to go along with running and jumping is catching passes thrown his way. No Dr. Strangeglove please.

 

[2B20Again]

I was born in 1946, and will be 79 in July, and fortunately my memory is still pretty good.
That's why I was so happy Steve was around for the beginning of the 3rd great time of Syracuse football.
I just wish most of you could have been around to see the good teams Ben had in the 50's and 60's.

Some us were. I was an usher in Archibald (Boy Scout) in 1956. Didn’t miss to many games after that.