Syracuse’s best recruit from the 2019 class just happens to be one of the most unheralded of the class. While Joe Girard and Quincey Guerrier garnish most of the attention, Brycen Goodine could become the most important freshman. If Jalen Carey struggles early this season, Goodine could be forced into the spotlight.
Goodine was ranked as a top-100 recruit by 247sports as a combo guard. In the clip below, Goodine shows off his skills as a point guard. He has the quickness to blow by defenders to the rim, find open teammates, and hit college range jumpers. While Girard and Buddy Boeheim have rightfully been highlighted for their three point shooting, Goodine 3-7 of his threes in exhibition.
While Carey is expected to take a big step forward this year, there’s always the possibility that we see the same player reminiscent to last season. Granted, Carey has the talent and skill set to become a star player for the Orange. But if he struggles, Syracuse has another young talented point guard who could take over.
And if Carey solidifies his role as the starter, Goodine could carve out a solid role as a back-up to both guard spots. He has the ball handling skills of a point guard, but also has the shooting to play off-ball. Goodine also can shoot well enough that the Orange wouldn’t severely hurt their shooting without Girard or Boeheim on the floor.
Goodine could become a jack-of-all-trades for Syracuse, and fill in for tired starters. Boeheim is expected to play his reserves more this year than he has recently. And with Goodine’s diverse offensive skill set, he has all the tools to make a big impact.
