Prospective depth chart for '16-'17 Syracuse Orange

[RF2044]

With the hint today about Andrew White, the team is absolutely LOADED heading into next year. Crazy that just a few short weeks ago, we had only 7 scholarship players and a number of disconcerting gaps in the roster.

Taking at face value that White will indeed be in the fold, just look at how our depth chart looks. Please note, I'm not suggesting that this is who will start, or the order they'll play--just listing it by players who can play the various positions:

Point Guard: John Gillon, Frank Howard, Tyus Battle

Shooting Guard: Tyus Battle, Andrew White

Small Forward: Andrew White, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer

Power Forward: Tyler Roberson, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer, Taurean Thompson

Center: Dejuan Coleman, Pascal Chukwu, Tyler Lydon, Taurean Thompson

Some quick observations:

• Damn, it's nice to have quality depth after a few lean years!
• Outside shooting could be superb, with Gillon / Lydon / White, and complimentary contributions from Battle, Howard
• We've got an embarrassment of riches at the power positions
• Our bigs could come at teams in wave, without much of a drop off in talent
• All 10 of these guys can PLAY. Not suggesting we'll have a 10 player rotation every game, but JB will have some options
• Lots of multi-position versatility
• If the team meshes from a chemistry perspective, we could make a deep run
• Foul trouble should NOT be an issue

Let's Go Orange!!!

 

[terron]

So exciting, i bet ya gillon plays some 2 as well

 

[Dave85]

With the hint today about Andrew White, the team is absolutely LOADED heading into next year. Crazy that just a few short weeks ago, we had only 7 scholarship players and a number of disconcerting gaps in the roster.

Taking at face value that White will indeed be in the fold, just look at how our depth chart looks. Please note, I'm not suggesting that this is who will start, or the order they'll play--just listing it by players who can play the various positions:

Point Guard: John Gillon, Frank Howard, Tyus Battle
Shooting Guard: Tyus Battle, Andrew White
Small Forward: Andrew White, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer
Power Forward: Tyler Roberson, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer, Taurean Thompson
Center: Dejuan Coleman, Pascal Chukwu, Tyler Lydon, Taurean Thompson

Some quick observations:

• Damn, it's nice to have quality depth after a few lean years!
• Outside shooting could be superb, with Gillon / Lydon / White, and complimentary contributions from Battle, Howard
• We've got an embarrassment of riches at the power positions
• All 10 of these guys can PLAY. Not suggesting we'll have a 10 player rotation every game, but JB will have some options
• Lots of multi-position versatility
• If the team meshes from a chemistry perspective, we could make a deep run
• Foul trouble should NOT be an issue

Let's Go Orange!!!

I am so Orange drunk right now!!!

 

[Dave85]

With the hint today about Andrew White, the team is absolutely LOADED heading into next year. Crazy that just a few short weeks ago, we had only 7 scholarship players and a number of disconcerting gaps in the roster.

Taking at face value that White will indeed be in the fold, just look at how our depth chart looks. Please note, I'm not suggesting that this is who will start, or the order they'll play--just listing it by players who can play the various positions:

Point Guard: John Gillon, Frank Howard, Tyus Battle

Shooting Guard: Tyus Battle, Andrew White

Small Forward: Andrew White, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer

Power Forward: Tyler Roberson, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer, Taurean Thompson

Center: Dejuan Coleman, Pascal Chukwu, Tyler Lydon, Taurean Thompson

Some quick observations:

• Damn, it's nice to have quality depth after a few lean years!
• Outside shooting could be superb, with Gillon / Lydon / White, and complimentary contributions from Battle, Howard
• We've got an embarrassment of riches at the power positions
• Our bigs could come at teams in wave, without much of a drop off in talent
• All 10 of these guys can PLAY. Not suggesting we'll have a 10 player rotation every game, but JB will have some options
• Lots of multi-position versatility
• If the team meshes from a chemistry perspective, we could make a deep run
• Foul trouble should NOT be an issue

Let's Go Orange!!!

A lot of people are negative about AW3 playing the 2 spot. If Battle can handle the ball as well as Roberts is saying, having those two at the top of the zone would be very interesting if it works. I think AW3 will have chances to play the 2. But if he can't play defense at the 2 then I imagine his PT at that position will be limited if not at all.

Also, a lot of people are negative about Lydon playing center. I thought he did a terrific job last season against most teams. At times he did not match up well. But for the most part, if a lineup having Lydon at center works really well on defense and offense I just can't imagine JB not using it as part of the rotations.

I am really looking forward to how well this team can press. If you press, combine that with the shorter shot clock, and the size of our forwards, that's really going to put pressure on opposing team's offenses. We should be able to force bad shots and shot clock violations.

Rebounding will always be key to Orange success. It seemed last year the team got better at tipping the ball to other players to rebound as the season went on. I think Roberson's rebounding is going to be a huge part of this season's team's success. This year's team is going to be very exciting. So many good players to watch! I'm really looking forward to this year's team.

 

[jordoo]

This team doesn't have everything so so speak but bringing White in basically leaves the team with all bases covered and no glaring weaknesses. Also as RF2044 points out the options and versatility are pretty staggering for NCAA hoops these days.

On paper and in my head I really like the way this team fits together. There is size, depth, experienced scorers, shooting and talent. I'm sure there will be growing pains and I can bet the zone looks very bad from time to time in the early going with all the new faces but this team has enough to beat teams on talent and scoring ability until the chemistry and defense comes together for conference play.

 

[orangefog]

This team doesn't have everything so so speak but bringing White in basically leaves the team with all bases covered and no glaring weaknesses. Also as RF2044 points out the options and versatility are pretty staggering for NCAA hoops these days.

On paper and in my head I really like the way this team fits together. There is size, depth, experienced scorers, shooting and talent. I'm sure there will be growing pains and I can bet the zone looks very bad from time to time in the early going with all the new faces but this team has enough to beat teams on talent and scoring ability until the chemistry and defense comes together for conference play.

Totally agree, and because we have a strong 10 players. The freshmen will develop, both in practice and they should get more court time, because we should have a good lead in more games. So, going in to next year, we will lose quite a few players, but the remaining players will be more ready.

 

[SoBristol]

... But for the most part, if a lineup having Lydon at center works really well on defense and offense I just can't imagine JB not using it as part of the rotations.

This year's team is going to be very exciting. So many good players to watch! I'm really looking forward to this year's team.

Good post. Lydon can play center -- he played there for much of our run to the final 4, and he is stronger entering this season. The question is more whether PC is an even better option, so Lydon can swing between SF and PF.
As to whether we are a "superb" outside shooting team per the OP -- that depends entirely on whether White decides to come. Otherwise, below average in outside shooting, but likely to better than last season with fast-breaks and inside play..

 

[Jasoncuse]

JB will want his 5 best players on the court together at times. So a Gillon, Battle, White, Lydon and Robey lineup is certainly very possible. I know many people think there is no way Lydon sees any minutes at the 5, but I fully expect it to happen far more often than some believe.

 

[jordoo]

Totally agree, and because we have a strong 10 players. The freshmen will develop, both in practice and they should get more court time, because we should have a good lead in more games. So, going in to next year, we will lose quite a few players, but the remaining players will be more ready.

That's a great point. All the minutes this year will be important for someone even in blowouts but the practice time may help the younger players even more.

 

[Trueblue25]

Taurean Thompson, DC and Franklin Howard.

Surprise players of the year.

White, Gillon, Roberson and Lydon are already proven commodities.

 

[Dave85]

Good post. Lydon can play center -- he played there for much of our run to the final 4, and he is stronger entering this season. The question is more whether PC is an even better option, so Lydon can swing between SF and PF.
As to whether we are a "superb" outside shooting team per the OP -- that depends entirely on whether White decides to come. Otherwise, below average in outside shooting, but likely to better than last season with fast-breaks and inside play..

I would add I think we will be better driving to the rim. I think Battle is going to be better driving to the rim than Malachi was last season.

 

[Dave85]

JB will want his 5 best players on the court together at times. So a Gillon, Battle, White, Lydon and Robey lineup is certainly very possible. I know many people think there is no way Lydon sees any minutes at the 5, but I fully expect it to happen far more often than some believe.

That's kind of my thinking also. If a lineup with Lydon at center is working well against a certain team JB will use it. But I also agree with other posters points about Coleman and Chukwa might give us a better match-up against teams with bigger centers.

 

[Dave85]

Taurean Thompson, DC and Franklin Howard.

Surprise players of the year.

White, Gillon, Roberson and Lydon are already proven commodities.

In one of Moyer's highlight videos he had a step back 3 that looked a lot like Malachi's step back move. Just saying.

 

[jordoo]

Good post. Lydon can play center -- he played there for much of our run to the final 4, and he is stronger entering this season. The question is more whether PC is an even better option, so Lydon can swing between SF and PF.
As to whether we are a "superb" outside shooting team per the OP -- that depends entirely on whether White decides to come. Otherwise, below average in outside shooting, but likely to better than last season with fast-breaks and inside play..

I think the shooting comment amusing White was on the team. With White and Lydon you have two guys who are dangerous 3pt threats that cannot be left alone. Gillon can then be picky about his 3pt attempts and his career shooting numbers are good although last season was his lowest. What we get from Howard and Battle from 3 is basically an unknown at this point. I just envision White and Lydon as the forwards giving the guards plenty of driving space and any open look they want from the perimeter. Still Gillon has to be able to keep defenses honest when one of those two sits (which I think he will be able to)

 

[Dave85]

So exciting, i bet ya gillon plays some 2 as well

The thing I like most about Gillon will be him driving to the rim and hopefully getting fouled. He's a really good foul shooter. What a huge plus it would be to have the ability to get other teams into foul trouble early.

 

[jordoo]

So exciting, i bet ya gillon plays some 2 as well

If he is in there with Frank then he would be off the ball as the 2.

 

[OttoMets]

With the hint today about Andrew White, the team is absolutely LOADED heading into next year. Crazy that just a few short weeks ago, we had only 7 scholarship players and a number of disconcerting gaps in the roster.

Taking at face value that White will indeed be in the fold, just look at how our depth chart looks. Please note, I'm not suggesting that this is who will start, or the order they'll play--just listing it by players who can play the various positions:

Point Guard: John Gillon, Frank Howard, Tyus Battle

Shooting Guard: Tyus Battle, Andrew White

Small Forward: Andrew White, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer

Power Forward: Tyler Roberson, Tyler Lydon, Matthew Moyer, Taurean Thompson

Center: Dejuan Coleman, Pascal Chukwu, Tyler Lydon, Taurean Thompson

Some quick observations:

• Damn, it's nice to have quality depth after a few lean years!
• Outside shooting could be superb, with Gillon / Lydon / White, and complimentary contributions from Battle, Howard
• We've got an embarrassment of riches at the power positions
• Our bigs could come at teams in wave, without much of a drop off in talent
• All 10 of these guys can PLAY. Not suggesting we'll have a 10 player rotation every game, but JB will have some options
• Lots of multi-position versatility
• If the team meshes from a chemistry perspective, we could make a deep run
• Foul trouble should NOT be an issue

Let's Go Orange!!!

One more:

DAMN, it's nice to have guards who have the skills of guards.

Good point regarding the chemistry, bears repeating. Boeheim's cast the net wide to make sure the talent is there, but the chemistry thing is out of everyone's control. Hope this group gels.

 

[RF2044]

The thing I like most about Gillon will be him driving to the rim and hopefully getting fouled. He's a really good foul shooter. What a huge plus it would be to have the ability to get other teams into foul trouble early.

One thing Gillon does really well is splitting defenders and getting into the lane. How many years have we seen the screener's defender up top feign a switch up top, and our guards bouncing outside? Gillon is going to make teams pay for switching a big onto him--his film shows that he's quite adept at exploiting that mismatch and using his speed to get into the lane, where he's adept at scoring from mid range, drawing contact / finishing with either hand, or making quick lobs / dump off passes to teammates on the baseline when their man rotates over to cut off his penetration.

I think that Lydon, Roberson, and Chukwu are going to get numerous easy scores every game off of that situation. That kind of penetration for drives / dishes is a dimension of our offense that's been missing for several years.

 

[orangefog]

One thing Gillon does really well is splitting defenders and getting into the lane. How many years have we seen the screener's defender up top feign a switch up top, and our guards bouncing outside? Gillon is going to make teams pay for switching a big onto him--his film shows that he's quite adept at exploiting that mismatch and using his speed to get into the lane, where he's adept at scoring from mid range, drawing contact / finishing with either hand, or making quick lobs / dump off passes to teammates on the baseline when their man rotates over to cut off his penetration.

I think that Lydon, Roberson, and Chukwu are going to get numerous easy scores every game off of that situation.

Great point, and if the defense adjusts to that, he can kick it out to White or Lydon on the wings. So many parts that fit well together.

 

[jordoo]

One thing Gillon does really well is splitting defenders and getting into the lane. How many years have we seen the screener's defender up top feign a switch up top, and our guards bouncing outside? Gillon is going to make teams pay for switching a big onto him--his film shows that he's quite adept at exploiting that mismatch and using his speed to get into the lane, where he's adept at scoring from mid range, drawing contact / finishing with either hand, or making quick lobs / dump off passes to teammates on the baseline when their man rotates over to cut off his penetration.

I think that Lydon, Roberson, and Chukwu are going to get numerous easy scores every game off of that situation.

Gillon is going to give us the ability to run things on offense that certain teams will simply not be able to stop. He is going to allow JB to force opponents to change their personal or defense to deal with us and that is when our size will really come into play. Obviously the other offensive talent around Gillon makes this possible but he can do some things in PnR that we just haven't had in quite some time. He will have wing shooters, bigs who can finish and Battle or Howard as secondary options to get the ball to.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I for one have been sick and tired of our overuse of the pick and roll because primarily it's just a screen for our guards to get free, but this year with Lydon and Battle/Gillon we should be deadly in the pick and roll. This will be our best team since 2012.

 

[Dave85]

One thing Gillon does really well is splitting defenders and getting into the lane. How many years have we seen the screener's defender up top feign a switch up top, and our guards bouncing outside? Gillon is going to make teams pay for switching a big onto him--his film shows that he's quite adept at exploiting that mismatch and using his speed to get into the lane, where he's adept at scoring from mid range, drawing contact / finishing with either hand, or making quick lobs / dump off passes to teammates on the baseline when their man rotates over to cut off his penetration.

I think that Lydon, Roberson, and Chukwu are going to get numerous easy scores every game off of that situation. That kind of penetration for drives / dishes is a dimension of our offense that's been missing for several years.

You make a really good point. I will take another look at his videos.

Yes, I would like to see Battle and Gillon drive to the basket and make a short alley-oop type pass to a dunking Lydon or Roberson. That would be heaven in the Dome!

 

[Dave85]

I for one have been sick and tired of our overuse of the pick and roll because primarily it's just a screen for our guards to get free, but this year with Lydon and Battle/Gillon we should be deadly in the pick and roll. This will be our best team since 2012.

I only like the pick and roll when it works. The other times not so much.

 

[Dave85]

One thing Gillon does really well is splitting defenders and getting into the lane. How many years have we seen the screener's defender up top feign a switch up top, and our guards bouncing outside? Gillon is going to make teams pay for switching a big onto him--his film shows that he's quite adept at exploiting that mismatch and using his speed to get into the lane, where he's adept at scoring from mid range, drawing contact / finishing with either hand, or making quick lobs / dump off passes to teammates on the baseline when their man rotates over to cut off his penetration.

I think that Lydon, Roberson, and Chukwu are going to get numerous easy scores every game off of that situation. That kind of penetration for drives / dishes is a dimension of our offense that's been missing for several years.

It's post like this that get me completely Orange drunk. This is going to be a tough Orange hang over come the third week of January.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

JB will want his 5 best players on the court together at times. So a Gillon, Battle, White, Lydon and Robey lineup is certainly very possible. I know many people think there is no way Lydon sees any minutes at the 5, but I fully expect it to happen far more often than some believe.

I don't think it's a stretch at all to picture Lydon as the crunch time 5.