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Name: Kenneth Thomas Lassiter
Position: Forward
Year: Junior (RS)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180lbs
Hometown: Narbeth, Pennsylvania
High School: Lower Merion
2015 Stats: 19 Appearances, 1G, 1A
2016 Projections: If the spring session is an indication, Kenny will be an asset to the squad. He’s a great change of pace option compared to the quicker forwards and draws attention when he’s on the pitch. His large frame can function as a great hold up option for some of the speedsters to work off of and he’s good enough on the ball that defenders will have to respect him.
Lassiter will probably be the starter up top, partnering Chris Nanco, who should be comfortable as the off-striker/attacking midfielder playing off the hold up man. It should be a solid tandem, as Kenny can hold the ball up and play comfortably with the ball at his feet, with his height giving a solid target in the air and set pieces.
How'd He Get Here?: Syracuse coaches saw Lassiter in high school, during his only stint as a defender. He impressed enough that they recruited him as such. When he reported to campus he was switched back to his natural position of forward.
Twitterfeed: @knylassiter
What Does the Coaching Staff Think?:
Coach McIntyre in a DO article about Kenny’s development last year.
“He’s a potential enigma for this team,” McIntyre said. “When he turns it on, he can be unplayable; he’s got that physical strength, that power and he’s adding more of a consistency this year.”
That quote was regarding last year and apparently Kenny did a solid enough job in training to be considered the starter in the spring. Looks like.
Links of Wonder:
The same Daily Orange profile on Lassiter that quote was pulled from should give you a gauge of the development that Kenny’s been working on since he arrived here. He seems to be growing into his frame and becoming much more comfortable on the pitch.
Interesting Nugget O' Interest:
Lassiter’s alma mater, Lower Merion High School. You may have heard of it. There’s a pretty decent basketball player that played there back in the day. Pretty sure his name was Kobe Bryant.