Syracuse, NY – The season is over, but the questions keep pouring into Mike’s mailbox.
We have questions about the transfer portal and the options for setting it up for the next year.
There is a lot to be done, so let’s get to these questions.
Q: Why do you think Kadary Richmond chose a transfer?
Joel S.
Mike: Syracuse newcomer Kadary Richmond chose the transfer for the same reason that almost every other player chooses to transfer: game time.
Richmond, who added his name to the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday, averaged 21 minutes per game last season. He had a reserve role and only started three games when Buddy Boeheim was in Covid quarantine due to contact tracing.
Richmond obviously has a lot of potential. Despite playing in just 21 minutes per game, he led Syracuse on steals and finished fourth in the ACC.
Like most players, he wants a bigger role. I don’t even think it matters. If Richmond thought he was playing more, he wouldn’t mind getting off the bench.
But I don’t think he thought his playing time was going to be significantly longer and since he probably won’t have to sit out a year if he changes there is no reason to wait for the opportunity to come here in Syracuse.
Q: Once a player has entered their name on the transfer portal, can they resign and return to their original school if they do not arouse significant interest?
Kevin S.
Mike: Yes, a player who enters the transfer portal can return to their original school. But there is a catch: the school must agree to take it back. The school is not required to take it back after entering the portal.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 19: Jesse Edwards # 14 of Syracuse Orange blocks a shot from Keshad Johnson # 0 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half of the first round of the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19. March 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel / NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Question: “Do you think Jim Boeheim will start Jesse Edwards or make a transfer next year?” Jesse seems to have great potential, but Jim seems less into him than the fan base.
Bryce K.
Mike: First, the fan base always loves the backup player more than the coach. No matter what sport or level.
Still, I love the potential of Jesse Edwards. He made some really encouraging appearances late in the season. He takes advantage of his size and length in the center of the zone. He seems to have a natural instinct for shot blocking.
If Bourama Sidibe doesn’t decide not to take advantage of his fifth year, I don’t see Syracuse putting a transfer into the middle position.
I think the combination of Edwards and Sidibe makes a very strong central tandem.
Q: Why didn’t Jim Buddy switch to Small Forward and Alan Griffin to Shooting Guard? They are the same size and Buddy played some (very little) at the position. Do you think they will try that in 2021?
William R.
Mike: While I think Alan Griffin could play the two guard position and Buddy Boeheim has seen some playing time with a little striker, the reason you didn’t get the impression that they were actually changing positions is on one Attributed to rebound.
When Buddy was a minor striker, Joe Girard and Kadary Richmond were both in the guard positions in the game. They have never seen the three of them Buddy and Griffin at the same time.
Even though they are both the same size, Griffin is a much better rebounder than Boeheim. Griffin finished second on the team with 5.8 rebounds per game.
I could see Buddy as a little striker and Griffin as a shooter, but not when both of them are on the field. In this situation, Buddy is much better suited to the two and Griffin is much better suited to the three.
Contact Mike Waters at any time: Email | Twitter
MORE ORANGE BASKETBALL
Symir Torrence comes home from Syracuse; will play for Syracuse
Why do Syracuse and so many others have so many players in the transfer portal? The 4 main reasons
Transfers, postgraduates, going pro: the 4 players who are crucial for SU’s off-season
Jim Boeheim on hectic college basketball off-season: “Hold on to your seat belt”
What can Syracuse expect in the next year if the NCAA tournament is blown?
Syracuse basketball had a season we will never forget and one that almost never happened
Syracuse manager Jim Boeheim defends decision to rest Jesse Edwards before halftime against Houston
ORANGE BASKETBALL FANS
Face masks | Gear and Clothing Stream games on fuboTV, Sling, Hulu + Live TV