The 2023 NBA Draft has come and gone, and a popular name among Syracuse fans was not selected. Over the course of this past season, Judah Mintz found himself on several Mock Drafts, the majority of which had him going in the second round. But a few weeks ago, the point guard decided to play one more year on the hill, seeking a higher positioning in the 2024 draft class. In the wake of the 2023 draft coming to a close, ESPN released a mock for next year’s class, and Mintz isn’t the only familiar name listed. The Worldwide Leader has both him and JJ Starling as second round picks come next June.
First and foremost, that gives belief that this could be the most dynamic 1-2 punch we’ve seen on the hill in a long time. Regardless of where in the draft they go, having two players projected to go from your school says a lot- ESPN gave that distinction to just seven other schools.
From Mintz’s perspective, this isn’t quite what you want to see yet. If we’re being honest with ourselves, he probably could’ve been picked in the second round the other day or, at worst, signed with a team as an undrafted free agent. That being said, he came back in part because he knows there’s plenty of work to be done. A good three-point shot is a necessity if you’re going to be a successful point guard in today’s NBA, it’s no secret that’s a work in progress. Late-game awareness also needs to see some improvement. If Mintz elevates those two aspects of his game, propelling himself into the first round is a legitimate possibility.
Starling’s situation is a little more complex, because there was no thought of him going pro after his freshman season. Notre Dame underachieved, and Starling wasn’t exactly the go-to guy in Mike Brey’s offense. However, Starling was the better-rated recruit in the Class of 2022, and the mock draft has him going higher than Mintz. Is home cooking what gets Starling to reach his full potential? ESPN certainly thinks so.
Perhaps the biggest factor that determines if/where Mintz and Starling are picked next June will be the success Syracuse has. Can the Orange get over their struggles of the past two seasons and make their triumphant return to the NCAA Tournament? Players have seen their draft stock completely change thanks to strong play in March Madness- look at UConn’s Jordan Hawkins. The combo guard had a fantastic tournament culminating in a title and wound up as a lottery pick. An NCAA Championship might be an unrealistic expectation, but if Mintz and Starling both ball out on the biggest stage in college hoops, it could greatly affect their stock.
At bare minimum, this should make SU fans a little more excited for what’s to come this November. Mintz and Starling are going to be extremely exciting players to watch, and it might just get them to the NBA.
