After plenty of speculation, Syracuse has finally added a true point guard to its roster: Jaquon Carlos. The Hofstra transfer averaged over 6 assists per game last season, a top-15 mark in the country. That, plus some solid defense for a 6’0” guard, makes up a classic point guard, a somewhat dying breed. Let’s run through some of the last players the Orange have had that fit similar criteria.
Frank Howard
Frank Howard wasn’t always a facilitator. As a freshman, he didn’t play enough to do that. As a senior, Howard played off the ball a bit more, averaging under 3 assists per game. However, when Howard was a junior in 2017-18, he tallied 4.7 assists per game. He was also a stingy defender, forcing almost 2 steals per game. With his 6’5” frame, Howard wasn’t a classic point guard, but he was a decent passer in his time.
John Gillon
When he wasn’t hitting game-winners against Duke, Gillon was setting his teammates up for success. In his lone season with the Orange, he averaged 5.4 assists per game. No SU player has done that since. Gillon was also the same size as Jaquon Carlos: 6’0”.
Tyler Ennis
Ennis was everything you want in a college point guard. He could score, pass, play serviceable zone defense… everything. Side note: what is it with Syracuse point guards and buzzer beaters? They’ve definitely made way more than any other position.
Michael Carter-Williams
There will never be another MCW. 6’6” with a great handle and stifling defense. He could drive to the hoop like no one else, and also rebounded well for a guard. All of that stuff is great, but Carter-Williams as a distributor was special. 7.3 assists per game just doesn’t happen at the college level, but it did for MCW.
