The number 44 has brought about a lot of controversy in the Syracuse basketball community over the last few weeks. On a lighter note, with it being the 4th of July, let’s run through the top four Orange players to wear “4” on their jerseys.
Honorable Mention: Wesley Johnson
Wesley Johnson was truly dominant at Syracuse. He was the Big East Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American. That’s what happens when you score 16.5 points per game on 50% from the field and 40% on threes. The only reason Johnson isn’t on this list is because he only suited up one season for the Orange.
4. Otis Hill
Otis Hill is often overshadowed when ‘Cuse fans look back to the mid-90s. John Wallace and Lawrence Moten are the bigger names, but Hill put together a solid career. He could score and defend, and the center was especially helpful in Syracuse’s run to the 1996 National Championship game.
3. Demetris Nichols
Demetris Nichols took a while to figure out his game at Syracuse, but once he did, he was a really solid player. By his senior year in 2007, he led the Orange with 19 points per game and was one of the best scorers in the Big East. Nichols even scored 37 points in a close, but needed win over St. John’s. Although he didn’t have a bunch of tools, he was a great shooter.
2. Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson, alongside his running mate Billy Owens, helped Syracuse dominate the start of the 90s. He won both a regular season Big East title and a Big East Tournament title. Plus, Johnson was a two-time all-conference selection himself. He averaged over 19 points per game as a junior and senior, while also being a great rebounder from the wing.
1. Rony Seikaly
Rony Seikaly is one of the best Orange bigs to ever do it. He could score, rebound, and defend. He was on one of the best Syracuse teams ever in 1987. There’s a reason his name is all over the program’s career stat leaderboards. There’s also a reason his jersey is hanging in the Dome. Seikaly is the ultimate #4 for Syracuse.
