In the weeks leading up to the NCAA’s announcement of sanctions against Syracuse, Orange fans became increasingly optimistic about landing 2016 guard Tyus Battle.  In the last week of February, the coveted Shooting Guard trimmed his list of possible destinations to seven and Syracuse made the cut.
The Orange definitely encountered a major setback in the pursuit of Battle with the NCAA’s punishments against the Syracuse basketball program.  The Orange are set to lose three scholarships in 2016.  This means that it will be very difficult for Boeheim to bring in recruits.
With that said, there is some hope in terms of the Orange being able to free up a spot for Battle.  The Orange would need to free up a minimum of four scholarships, five if they still wish to bring in commit Matthew Moyer.  The Orange will lose Cooney and Gbinije to graduation after the 2015-16 season and many expect Chris McCullough to go to the NBA after his sophomore season.
The Orange would then need at least one other scholarship players to leave.  This is certainly a possibility.  Similar to the Thomas Bryant situation before the sanctions, many believe if Battle wants to come, Boeheim will find a way to get him a scholarship.
If the Orange can land Battle, there is plenty of reason to be just as excited for the 2016-17 season as there is next year.  It is unlikely that any of next year’s four recruits will leave after one year and if the Orange can add Moyer and Battle, the future is bright for the Orange despite the sanctions.
Those worried that the sanctions would deter Tyus Battle can rest easy.  His father, Gary Battle, insisted that his son is still considering the Orange despite the sanctions.
Posted: Logan Grossman
