Despite all the projections, predictions and out-right hopes of Syracuse Orange fans, it wasn't to be for James Southerland and Brandon Triche on draft night. Neither SU star heard their name called in the 2013 NBA Draft.
The D.O. spoke with Southie after the 60th and final pick was made:
"It is what it is," Southerland said. "It’s disappointing, but I’m going to keep playing."
Southerland attended the draft, so, awkward.
After a certain point in the 2nd round, it really doesn't matter all that much if most players get drafted. Both Southerland and Triche are good enough to warrant summer invites and tryouts. They'll both likely hear about where they're heading in the next couple days. Hopefully not Minnesota.
Some of the other notable names not to hear their names called included N.C. State's C.J. Leslie, Texas' Myck Kabongo, Arkansas' B.J. Young and Missouri's Phil Pressey.
Syracuse did get one draftee, Michael Carter-Williams, making it five out of the last six years that an Orange player was picked in the first round.