Alright, let’s make this clear. Quincy Guerrier has emerged as one of the premiere forwards in the country. The sophomore’s 20 points and nine rebounds in the win against Virginia Tech reinforces that fact. But while Guerrier’s 16.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game set him apart from the rest of the ACC, it also separates him from the 2021-2022 Orange roster.
So, yes. Quincy Guerrier’s time in Syracuse is limited. He’s pro ready. It turns out all he needed was health and a three-point shot. This is why he was projected as a first round NBA Draft pick heading into his freshman year. It seems unlikely that he will grow even more on the stat sheet beyond this year. So this year is as good of a time for Guerrier to move on as any.
The market is pretty hot in the NBA for a wing who can rebound and shoot. The only thing keeping the forward from surging up draft boards is his ability to create outside of the post. That’s a tough ask considering SU’s lineup is such where Guerrier will never be in a position to do so. But it will be a concern for NBA scouts which he won’t have a chance to overcome on game film.
Then there’s the ticking clock. It seems odd to think about, but Guerrier is pretty old. The sophomore is already 21, the same age as Luguentz Dort, his AAU teammate who has been in the NBA for two seasons now. If Guerrier waits any longer, his draft stock will suffer from the Elijah Hughes effect, where NBA teams are scared off by a rookie’s age.
So while Syracuse fans continue to admire Guerrier’s speedy development, it should be a bitter-sweet feeling. Sure, he has surpassed expectations this year, but so much so that he is playing himself out of Syracuse.
