Pitarresi: Possible defections would hurt SU

I was more than a bit surprised by the announcement that Syracuse University basketball players Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf, in addition to Jonny Flynn, would apply for the NBA draft.

 

Everyone knew Flynn would do so. If he starts hearing that he might be picked high, then he’ll enter the draft. If not, he’ll pull out.

 

The other two? Their ability to play in the NBA is very questionable. However, it begins to make sense. Both have children to support, and Devendorf is very close to graduation. I don’t see him wanting to go to graduate school just so he can play another college season. Maybe.

 

It was very curious that the press release from SU plainly stated that Flynn hadn’t hired an agent, which would end his collegiate eligibility. The release didn’t mention whether Harris and Devendorf had hired agents. You might wonder why.

 

The thing is, with all those guys back and some new additions – including transfer forward Wes Johnson, who is supposed to be sensational – I think SU definitely has Final Four potential. Sports Illustrated has them as an early pick for No. 3, and today The Sporting News said they would be No. 1 next year.

 

If those guys don’t come back? The Orange would still be talented, but not Final Four talented, and they’d lose about half of their experience, something that can’t be poured out of a bottle.