Lost in all this basketball whatnot is the fact that Thursday was Pro Day for the Syracuse Orange football players who are hoping to hear their names called during the NFL Draft.
The day was a huge showcase not just got guys on this year's team but also those who already left but are still chasing their dreams:
Jones was among a group of 14 former Orange football players who participated at Syracuse's pro day inside Manley Field House Thursday afternoon. Three of the players who worked out in front of scouts graduated played their senior seasons in 2010, including Rob Long, Jose Cruz and Aaron Weaver. Will Hicks, SU's assistant athletics director for athletic performance, said 31 of the 32 NFL teams sent representatives to Syracuse Thursday, and called it "one of the biggest days we've had in a long time." It's all leading up to the NFL Draft, which will take place in New York City on April 28-30.
The main attraction was Chandler Jones, of course. Jones said that while he's getting a lot of interest, he's specifically hearing a lot from the New York Giants, which would please me to no end. Jones says he's getting looks at outside linebacker as well as defensive end.
Meanwhile Phillip Thomas was looking to make for a rough combine. He says he's received interest from the Redskins, Eagles, Buccaneers, Bengals, Lions and Ravens.
Rob Long continued his trek towards the NFL after beating cancer and he doesn't sound like he's giving up anytime soon.
"I punted really well," Long said. "I hit the ceiling every time, so I guess there's something to be said for that. There's some interest, I hopefully opened up a few eyes and trying to make my way into camp somewhere."
A few other players had some quality moments included Dorian Graham and Kevyn Scott:
Hicks said receiver/kick returner Dorian Graham, a junior who is skipping his senior season to try his luck in the NFL, had a vertical jump of 41 inches. And redshirt senior cornerback Kevyn Scott did 22 repetitions on the bench press with 225, which Hicks said is good for a defensive back.