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The ball has yet to be tipped to begin the 2017-2018 season, but the Syracuse Orange are still making the headlines.
Tyus Battle, the Orange's starting shooting guard, has been named to the Jerry West Award watch list, an award that is given out every year for the best shooting guard in the country.
The award hasn't been around for too long, as this will only be the fourth time it is being awarded. Still, being up for consideration is something Tyus should be extremely proud of. The past three winners were D'Angelo Russell (some can say he's a point guard), Buddy Hield and Malik Monk.
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Battle is one of four ACC players to be named to the prestigious list, being accompanied by Grayson Allen of Duke, Jerome Robinson of Boston College and Miami's Lonnie Walker.
This is a step in the right direction for the Orange, as this off season has certainly had some negativity coming towards Syracuse's way. Despite the doubters, this is a chance for Battle to prove that he's capable of being a top shooting guard in the nation who can carry his team to their aspirations.
Battle had an impressive freshman season last year where he averaged 11.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Those numbers are sure to increase this winter as Battle has become the leader of this young Syracuse basketball team.