BIG EAST ROSTER UPDATE: SYRACUSE

June 24, 2008


Transfer Alert: Wesley Johnson, 6'7 F from Iowa State

Projected 2008-2009 Roster:

Seniors: Kristof Ongenaet (PF)
Juniors: Paul Harris (G), Arinze Onuaku (BF/C), Eric Devenderf (G), Andy Rautins (G), Wesley Johnson* (F)
Sophomores: Johnny Flynn (PG), Antonio Jardine (G), Richard Jackson (BF), Sean Williams (C)
Freshmen: Kris Joseph (F), James Southerland (F), Mookie Jones (G/F)

* Will sit out 2008-2009 season per NCAA Transfer rules

Syracuse got themselves a real nice addition to the program with the news that Wesley Johnson, the Iowa State Forward, is Transferring to SU (Syracuse Post-Standard).


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When Wesley Johnson informed the staff at Iowa State he was transferring they were not happy with the news. Losing a quality player is very tough and Johnson is definitely, at least, a quality player. As his list of potential destinations grew and was fine-tuned, it was clear that many schools believed he would be making a big impact wherever he ended up. After taking a visit to Syracuse last weekend, Johnson found his next home and decided there was no need to take any additional visits. Johnson also considered West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Ohio State as finalists.

Johnson is a 6'7 combo forward with plenty of length and athleticism, perfect for Jim Boehiem's style of play. His sophomore numbers were a little less than expected after an excellent freshman campaign in the Big 12, but a stress fracture in his foot, which forced him to miss five games and eventually led to an April surgery, took away much of his trademark explosive athletic ability.

As a freshman at Iowa State, the Texas native averaged 12.3 points and 7.9 rebounds. As a sophomore, he contributed 12.4 points a game, but the rebounding total dipped in half, but a lot of that was due to the injuries that had him on the perimeter more than going inside to battle.

The projected 2008-2009 Syracuse roster is now full with 13 players and only one senior. That will make recruiting a little slow for 2009. Players like Eric Devendorf, Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris could be candidates to test professional waters after the next season. The latest we have heard on James Southerland is he is enrolling for this coming season, but other reports leave that as an open item and could push him to the 2009-2010 recruiting class.

Judging by the roster make-up, a point guard could be a viable option with the one scholarship on paper available. Local product Brandon Triche, nephew of former Syracuse player Howard Triche, is a player often connected to the Orange. The Orange also remain rather high on the list of combo forwards Jordan Hamilton, Karron Johnson and Isaiah Armwood. If there was ever a team that seemed to have the market covered with combo forwards, it would be the Orange.