Syracuse lost a bunch of key pieces from their magical Sweet 16 run last year. In the middle of the season, let’s check to see how the former Syracuse players are doing at their new programs.
Quincy Guerrier, Oregon
It never helps to lose a 33 minute/game starter. Quincy Guerrier‘s absence is felt most on defense this year with the new wings having trouble adjusting to the 2-3 Zone. But the Quebec native left the Hill for the chance to stretch his game and play man-to-man defense. There was a point in time when it looked like Guerrier would end up in the NBA Draft, but once that prospect fell apart, Oregon became his new destination.
If anything, Guerrier’s game regressed. He’s posting a reduction in minutes, three point percentage, free throw percentage, blocks, rebounds, and points. So far, it’s looking like a disaster for Guerrier. The Ducks are using him as a small-ball center, but that’s exactly what he was trying to avoid.
Kadary Richmond, Seton Hall
Fizz Nation erupted when Kadary Richmond poured 27 points on UConn in an OT win. However, that was a one-off. Richmond is averaging eight points per game for the Pirates, two more than his Syracuse days.
Richmond left with Joe Girard holding onto the starting point guard role despite the freshman’s production. However, he hasn’t gained much from his move to the Big East yet. It seems like the biggest effect of this transfer is the shift in the public’s perception of Jim Boeheim following his comments about Richmond following his transfer.
“Kadary never worked hard at the game,” Boeheim said. “He played about 21 minutes per game, and that’s about all he can play.”
Woody Newton, Oklahoma State
Woody Newton, unlike Richmond, should not have come as a surprise. The athletic guard never really got his shot in-game with Syracuse. The again, he’s not getting much of a shot in the Sooner state. Newton is playing fewer than eight minutes per game. He’s only played 11 games.
On his way out, Newton said he lost his trust in the Syracuse coaching staff, but it seems as though this transfer was a flop for Oklahoma State and especially for Newton.
Robert Braswell, Charlotte
Despite his foot troubles, Robert Braswell carved out a pivotal role for Syracuse, especially down the stretch in the NCAA Tournament. Like Guerrier, Syracuse is missing Braswell’s defense on the wing of the Zone. He also provided reliable shooting off the bench, which the Orange don’t have much of this season, if at all.
Braswell left for more playing time and a potential starting role. Charlotte is providing that through 19 games and 10 starts. He nearly doubled Braswell is by far the most successful transfer from last season.
