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While we wait for tip-off of the 2020-21 Syracuse Orange women’s basketball season, let’s play a fun game of “What If” - alumni edition, credits to Ben Swain.
Flipping the “winter sports athletes get another year of eligibility” rule … you can pick one ex-CBB player from your school to get one more year, but they’re current age & shape (so no 20 year old MJ). Who would you pick, and why is Wendell Carter Duke’s non-Zion choice?
— Ben Swain (@TheBenSwain) October 19, 2020
Brittney Sykes (‘17) is the clear choice here. A three-year WNBA veteran, Sykes started in 14 games this season and averaged 10.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest. She was also named to the league’s All-Defensive team. With their incredible blocking skills, Sykes and Emily Engstler would be a dangerous duo for the Orange.
5’9 Brittney Sykes blocking 6’9 Brittney Griner #WNBA
— Women’s Hoopz (@WomensHoopz) July 25, 2020
( : @espnw) pic.twitter.com/Txjv0uvUUo
Kayla Alexander (‘13), the other ‘Cuse representative in the WNBA, could surely add an additional scoring threat to Coach Q’s already deep bench. Alexander hasn’t found her footing in the WNBA quite yet, but it is important to keep in mind that there are only 12 teams in the league. Alexander averaged 17.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game at the AmeriCup last season with Canada.
Unfortunately for women’s basketball fans, the TBT does not have a distinct women’s tournament (though women can compete in it). So, we have to do a little bit of heavy research to find what shape former ‘Cuse players are currently in.
Alexis Peterson (‘17) and Miranda Drummond (‘19) are also names to keep in mind on the scoring side. Peterson is a successful starting point guard in the international scene, averaging 18.7 ppg off 54.1 percent shooting last season for Poland. Drummond (‘19) currently starts for Chania (Greece) and is averaging 15 points and seven rebounds on the season.
Got anyone else in mind? Remember that they have to play at their current age and size. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!