Syracuse fans were likely thinking that the Taurean Thompson saga could not be topped this summer. That was before Andrew White III, a graduate transfer out of Nebraska, named Syracuse as one of his final schools for next season. Now, after some twists and turns, it seems White will end up at either Syracuse or VCU.
Some Orange fans may be wondering why he would choose the Rams over a program that is coming off a Final Four and one that is poised to have another strong season with a Hall of Fame coach on the bench. Well, there are a few reasons.
The first and most simple is location. Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, White’s hometown. It is certainly possible that White would choose to spend his last year of college basketball at a school near his family, friends and home.
The other reason is that White is undoubtedly hoping to make the jump to the pros. Consistent playing time could be the biggest factor for White when he makes his final decision (which has to be coming soon). White is a shooting guard/small forward combo, standing at 6-7. He can certainly score the ball, averaging over 16 points per game last season and he might find it difficult to be a regular starter in Syracuse.
He would face serious competition at both shooting guard and small forward. Tyler Lydon played mostly at the four and five last year but most Syracuse fans believe that the 6-9 sophomore fits better at the three and will play there this season. Incoming freshman Tyus Battle is set to start at shooting guard but Syracuse certainly lacks depth at both of those positions.
White could look to another 6-7 guard/forward who flourished in his final year under Boehiem. Michael Gbinije, like White, was a transfer and in his time at Syracuse transformed himself from an unknown into an NBA draft pick.
In short, White would fit in at both VCU and Syracuse and there are many reasons why he could pick either school. Only time will tell where he ends up, but both fan bases are surely holding their breath.
