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Tyler Ennis, the keys to the Syracuse attack are now yours.
In a decision that surprised few, Syracuse announced Wednesday afternoon that sophomore point guard Michael Carter-Williams will enter the 2013 NBA Draft. After playing sparingly as a freshman, the 6-6 Carter-Williams helped lead the Orange to the Final Four with averages of 11.9 points, 7.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game.
“Michael has informed me of his intention to enter the NBA Draft,” head coach Jim Boeheim said in a statement released by the school.
“He’s coming off a tremendous season and we appreciate all he’s done for Syracuse basketball. We wish Michael the best of luck as he pursues a pro career.”
Carter-Williams is projected by many scouts as a first round selection with the back end of the lottery being a possibility. And while there was no mention of this in the statement released by Syracuse, one would think that his family’s home being destroyed by a fire during the first weekend of the NCAA tournament played a role in the decision as well.
With Carter-Williams’ decision to turn pro and the graduation of Brandon Triche the Syracuse backcourt will look much different (and lack experience) in 2013-14. With that in mind, Boeheim and his staff made moves on the recruiting trail that will make the Orange a contender in their ACC debut.
The aforementioned Ennis is one of the best point guards in the 2013 class, and shooting guard Ron Patterson and wing B.J. Johnson will join rising redshirt sophomore Trevor Cooney and Duke transfer Michael Gbinije (small forward) in the rotation.
Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.