Thursday was a day in Syracuse basketball that brought old and new.  The morning began with Jim Boeheim addressing the media in a fashion that only Boeheim can.  The evening brought change as it was announced that both B.J Johnson and Ron Patterson will transfer.
While this is big news in and of itself, it has left many Syracuse fans thinking towards next season and how this news affects Syracuse’s top 2015 target, Thomas Bryant.  With the recruiting class of four already committed Syracuse didn’t have a scholarship to offer Bryant should he decide to come to Upstate New York.
The Bryant situation was further complicated after the NCAA announced scholarship penalties for Syracuse causing the Orange to lose 12 scholarships over four years.  Fans were left wondering if it is possible if Syracuse could still provide a scholarship for Bryant.
It is now understood that the Orange have the ability to delay the effect of the sanctions until the 2016-17 season allowing their 2015 commits to come to the University without a problem.
Even with that said, the Orange still needed at least one player to transfer in order to have a scholarship for Thomas Bryant.  The Orange got just that today as both B.J. Johnson and Ron Patterson announced today that will leave Syracuse.
It has been confirmed that the Orange would be allowed to bring in Bryant without having to accept the scholarship penalties for the 2015-16 season.
Bryant would add depth to the loaded frontcourt that the Orange will have at their disposal next season.  It would strengthen what is set to be one of the weakest positions for the Orange in Center.  DaJuan Coleman is expected to return from his injury and start at the number 5 position.  Bryant would add security at the Center position, as no one knows how effective Coleman can be coming back from such a serious injury.
Obviously, Thomas Bryant would be a huge addition to the already great Syracuse recruiting class for 2015.  The transfers of Johnson and Patterson have opened up a spot for Bryant and should the Rochester native wish to come to Syracuse, Coach Boeheim will have a spot for him.
Posted:  Logan Grossman
