When the summer began Jim Boeheim only had eight scholarship players on the roster for the upcoming season and was a possible injury away from a very long season. Things have taken a huge turn for the better for the Orange as they first picked up a commitment from the last remaining Top-100 recruit in Taurean Thompson. Fast forward to today, where Syracuse picked up a key piece to what could be a magical season. Transferring in as a fifth-year guard from Nebraska, Andrew White gives the Orange depth at every position and will give Coach Boeheim flexibility up and down the lineup.

The 6’7″ guard from Richmond, Virginia began his college career at Kansas University, but ultimately transferred to Nebraska after his sophomore season. After sitting out the 2014-2015 season with a redshirt due to transferring, White stepped in and made an immediate impact for the Huskers, finishing second on the team in scoring (16.6 PPG) and leading them in rebounds (5.9 RPG). Possibly the biggest attribute White will bring to the Orange is his shooting. Syracuse needs him to come in and help fill the hole left after losing their top three perimeter threats from last season.

On the defensive side of the ball, White’s active hands and length could cause opposing guards trouble at the top of Jim Boeheim’s vaunted 2-3 Zone. Of course, Boeheim also has the option of deploying White at one of the forward positions, which would allow the Orange to spread the floor without sacrificing much in the way of rebounding.

Possible Lineups:

Big

C- Paschal Chukwu

PF- Tyler Roberson

SF- Tyler Lydon

SG- Andrew White

PG- Tyus Battle

This lineup allows the Orange to play five guys, all 6’6″ or taller, which could cause fits for opposing teams trying to pass the ball inside the perimeter. On the offensive side of the ball, White and Lydon’s shooting would mesh nicely with Tyus Battle’s ability to drive and dish. This lineup would also help the Orange with rebounding out of the zone, which has been an Achilles Heel for the Orange in the past.

Small/Shooting

C- Tyler Lydon

PF- Tyler Roberson

SF- Andrew White

SG- Tyus Battle

PG- John Gillon

Ok, it isn’t exactly that small of a lineup, but it does feature three players who are proven three-point shooters at the college level. Fellow fifth-year transfer John Gillion has made over 130 three-point field goals in his career, and Tyler Lydon proved he was more than capable of manning the pivot for the Orange while providing an outside threat.

Experienced

C- Dajuan Coleman

PF- Tyler Roberson

SF- Tyler Lydon

SG- Andrew White

PG- John Gillon

Finally, the Orange have the option of trotting out one of the most experienced lineups in the nation featuring three fifth-year seniors, one senior, and one sophomore. This older lineup could help Coach Boeheim steady the ship if things get out of hand during a game by providing a proven scoring punch.

Bottom Line

White instantly makes the Orange a contender heading into next season with his experience and shooting prowess. With the roster Syracuse will have and a little luck, the Orange could very well find themselves in back to back Final Fours and their third in five years.