Quincy Guerrier could be perfect fit for Syracuse basketball

We’re in the thick of the 2018-19 Syracuse Orange men’s basketball schedule, but there’s no harm in looking ahead at least a little bit given the exciting additions for the incoming class.

One of those players is Quincy Guerrier, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward who already appears ready to play the college game — as detailed extensively in a great Syracuse.com piece from Donna Ditota on Thursday.

Talking to Guerrier and coaches in Quebec, Ditota hears the story on how Orange assistant Adrian Autry offered the player immediately after seeing him a few years ago. According to Autry himself, Guerrier’s a perfect fit for this team on offense, especially:

“The biggest thing I saw about him that I initially liked was his size, his dimensions. He fits what we do. And from a game standpoint, you know what he does. He scores. That’s something you rarely find. A lot of times kids try to do a lot of different things. And you can just tell he’s an attacker, he’s an aggressive offensive player. He competes and he plays extremely hard.”

Given Syracuse’s shooting woes in recent years, it does feel like a relief to hear that a player could come in with the physical tools to contribute there immediately. While Jim Boeheim’s teams will never necessarily be run-and-gun (especially not at this stage in his long coaching career), just having a more dynamic forward that shoots the ball well could greatly evolve the gameplan.

We’ll wait to hear word on whether Guerrier can enroll for spring semester. Either way, we’ll be looking forward to seeing him suit up for the Orange come November.

More on that, and the rest of your Syracuse-related links below:

Syracuse basketball recruit Quincy Guerrier physically ready to play college hoops (Syracuse.com)

“... But as he gained confidence on the basketball court, as he grew comfortable with who he was and what he was accomplishing, he grew more gregarious, more willing to take a vocal leadership role on his team. He likes the “bright lights,” Appiah said, the ability to prove in front of big crowds that he can play.”

Syracuse football season report card: See our grades, superlatives (Syracuse.com)

You can make the case Syracuse had the second-best quarterback room in the ACC behind Clemson, in terms of depth. Eric Dungey finished his career as the school’s all-time passing leader. Only four other quarterbacks since 2000 -- J.T. Barrett, Dan Lefevour, Colin Kaepernick and Dak Prescott -- have put up the all-around numbers Dungey has throughout his career.

‘Sportscaster U’ helps NBA players learn a new (broadcasting) game (NBA.com)

Jefferson, who has worked both NCAA and NBA games this season in addition to appearing on ESPN’s “Get Up!” morning show, began the podcast partly to get more comfortable as a host. “If not for Sportscaster U.,” he said, “I wouldn’t have had that mindset for growth and reps.”

Dion Waiters creates instant hope for Miami Heat (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

“I like Dion,” Spoelstra said. “There’s a lot of narrative probably that’s out there. I’ve gotten to know him pretty well. I’ve been to Philly. We’ve spent a lot of time together. We butted heads sometimes at first. But we’ve come to, over the years, to find some common ground. In the competitive feel, we’re not that far apart. He has a very charming side to him.”

ACC basketball schedule begins with Duke and UNC the main challengers to Virginia (News & Observer)

Close behind in the ACC race come Clemson, this year featuring seniors Eli Thomas, Shelton Mitchell and Marcquise Reed; Syracuse with a superior, upperclass backcourt of Tyus Battle and Frank Howard and a knack for doing enough to make the NCAAs; and Virginia Tech, perpetually drawing raves with the likes of guard Justin Robinson yet never quite delivering.

Syracuse Orange, Boeheim should play at St. Bonaventure (Syracuse.com)

Ranking all 39 college football bowl games for 2018-19 from the worst to the best (CBS Sports)

Syracuse men’s lacrosse ranked 10th in preseason poll | Syracuse women’s lacrosse begins season 11th (US Lacrosse Magazine)

The 25 things we got wrong in college football in the 2018 season (USA Today)

Caesars, Turning Stone to offer sports betting in New York (Syracuse.com)