The truly impressive thing about Dion's improvement

[ImperialOrange]

this year is that he's doing it in only 6 more minutes per game than last year (22.3 mins pg vs 16.3). Until I just looked at last years stats I didn't recall him even getting that many minutes last year.

In those 6 extra minutes this year he has doubled his scoring, averages 4 more shots (of which he's hitting 3), doubled his assists, and doubled his steals.

I'm not sure where he would grade out in the 1st round if he went pro after the season but if he hung around for his 3rd year he'd be a top 5 lock.

 

[Section 314 Row C]

this year is that he's doing it in only 6 more minutes per game than last year (22.3 mins pg vs 16.3). Until I just looked at last years stats I didn't recall him even getting that many minutes last year.

In those 6 extra minutes this year he has doubled his scoring, averages 4 more shots (of which he's hitting 3), doubled his assists, and doubled his steals.

I'm not sure where he would grade out in the 1st round if he went pro after the season but if he hung around for his 3rd year he'd be a top 5 lock.

I fear, that by the end of the season, Waiters is going to be regarded by NBA scouts as a sure-fire lottery pick. The lure of riches and fame is too hard to pass up. Hopefully, he will embrace the idea of being a starter and the team leader, and that those factors will have an influence on his decision.

 

[SourShoes]

I say we win another NC and then let eh pegs fall where they may.

 

[moqui]

I fear, that by the end of the season, Waiters is going to be regarded by NBA scouts as a sure-fire lottery pick. The lure of riches and fame is too hard to pass up. Hopefully, he will embrace the idea of being a starter and the team leader, and that those factors will have an influence on his decision.

why is that anything to fear? the program will be fine with or without any player on the roster.

in fact, the best thing for the program in the long term is to develop as many NBA players as possible. the more kids that blow up after two or three years and earn NBA riches, the more kids will want to get into the pipeline. If Dion earns a high draft slot this year, it will pay big dividends down the road.

I am an advocate for every kid to leave as early as possible - that usually means they have done well and will serve as an inducement to other talented players

 

[Section 314 Row C]

why is that anything to fear? the program will be fine with or without any player on the roster.

in fact, the best thing for the program in the long term is to develop as many NBA players as possible. the more kids that blow up after two or three years and earn NBA riches, the more kids will want to get into the pipeline. If Dion earns a high draft slot this year, it will pay big dividends down the road.

I am an advocate for every kid to leave as early as possible - that usually means they have done well and will serve as an inducement to other talented players

You make an interesting point, but I disagree that losing our best players after one or two seasons makes SU a better program in the long run. Yes, Syracuse has had it's fair share of solid NBA prospects, but SU is not and never will be an "NBA feeder program" like Duke, North Carolina, or Kansas. Syracuse has maintained a solid basketball program by recruiting and then developing solid, coachable players who improve over the coarse of their 3 or 4 years in college.

Personally, I would not like to see Syracuse become one of those programs that consistently draw those "one and done" players like John Wall and Derrick Rose. I like to become familiar with the players, watch them mature and develop...essentially becoming part of the Syracuse family. That, IMHO, is the essence of Syracuse basketball.