NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — In his first comments since Taurean Thompson signed a financial aid agreement with Syracuse, Jim Boeheim says the 6-foot-10 forward will add depth to an already loaded frontcourt.
“He’s big, he’s long, he can shoot,” Boeheim told SNY.tv at the Peach Jam where he’s recruiting. “He’s a good player, he’s developing. I think he’s come on late.”
Thompson, who attended Brewster Academy (N.H.) for the past year, committed to Syracuse over Michigan State and Seton Hall on July 1, and on Thursday Syracuse issued a press release saying Thompson had officially signed financial aid papers — although it lacked comments from Boeheim.
“He’s really long, which helps in our system,” Boeheim told SNY.tv “He can shoot it, we need shooting. We lost some shooting this year [with Malachi Richardson heading to the NBA]. I think he’s got tremendous long-range potential”
Still, Thompson joins an already deep front court and will have to earn time behind 7-foot-2 Providence transfer Paschal Chukwu, 6-9 senior Dajuan Coleman, 6-8 senior Tyler Roberson, 6-8 sophomore Tyler Lydon and 6-8 freshman Matthew Moyer.
“[Thompson] can help a little bit and three of those guys are going to be gone next year, Tyler, Tyler and Dajuan,” Boeheim said, referring to the graduating Coleman and Roberson along with Lydon, currently projected as the No. 21 pick in 2017 by DraftExpress.com.
Boeheim added: “[Thompson] will get some time [in 2016-17] but we only have five guys coming back next year [2017-18].”
Boeheim was already optimistic about his team for this season — “We’re probably in much better position heading into this year than we were last year and last year turned out pretty good,” he told SNY.tv in May — and now he’s even happier about what’s ahead.
“Pretty good,” he said with a laugh. “I like our team. The big guy [Chukwu]’s pretty good. He can block shots. He can block a lot of shots.”
On top of adding Chukwu, Moyer and Thompson, Syracuse also brings in guards Tyus Battle of St. Joe’s-Metuchen and graduate transfer John Gillon.
“[Frank] Howard’s gotten better, Tyler [Lydon]’s gotten better, Tyus Battle’s a very good player,” Boeheim said.
“We might get somebody else,” Boeheim said, possibly referring to 6-7 Nebraska transfer Andrew White, who recently visited campus. White told SNY.tv on Thursday that he has yet to decide.
“Had a really good visit with my parents at Syracuse,” White told the Post-Standard. “The coaches seem to have a pretty good playing situation, along with a chance to win big.”
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