Syracuse got its second commitment out of the transfer portal earlier this week when Auburn guard Chance Westry pledged to the Orange. Westry later signed his letter of intent and intends to play a significant role for SU this season and into the future. As highlighted earlier in the week on the Fizz, Syracuse had interest in Westry out of high school, but the Tigers secured his services. With a second chance *wink wink*, the Orange didn’t miss, and Westry is bound for potential stardom with SU.
At 6’6, Westry has the ball-handling skills to facilitate, and the size to see over smaller defenders. This is perfect for a guard in Syracuse’s system. In recent memory, the best SU teams, especially defensively, have had long and tall guards, and Westry matches that profile.
“He has the type of positional size that Syracuse has typically valued in the backcourt,” 247 Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finklestein said. “And if Red Autry decides to stick with the program’s trademark zone, then Westry should be a defensive weapon.”
Prior to Judah Mintz, Syracuse had not had a guard at the top of their zone that was capable of what Westry is since Frank Howard departed the program in 2019, over four years ago. Westry’s stats at Auburn don’t give much to brag about, as he averaged only 2.5 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while playing less than 10 minutes a game in 11 contests over the course of the season before taking a medical redshirt. Ironically, Westry’s best game came against Colgate, a group he’ll probably face with Syracuse this year, and he had eight points, a couple of rebounds, and assists in 17 minutes. Westry will be asked to do much more for SU, but Finkelstein says he’s capable.
“Offensively, he has upside as a big lead guard and should get opportunities to play with the ball in his hands similar to the way Judah Mintz did this year,” Finklestein said. “Of course, Mintz’s status for next season will have a lot to do with how significant the immediate opportunity is. But whether it is this year or next, Westry looks poised to replace Mintz as the team’s primary lead guard.”
The elephant in the room is Mintz’s status, and Syracuse fans are likely hoping that Westry’s commitment does not have an impact on his decision, because the Orange needed another guard regardless, and might need another if Mintz departs. With the return of arguably Syracuse’s best player from last season, that gives you three guards who can all handle the ball, but play off it as well, easing the burden of point guard duties on all and allowing them to play to their strengths.
That’s perfect for Westry, who’s looking for a fresh start, with a program that values him. Summer practice will be here soon enough, to which we’ll learn much more about the Orange roster and who’s improved heading into next season. As they say, the biggest jump in college usually comes from year one to year two, so it could be a very exciting year in Central New York.
